SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Freedom of Information

John Mann: To ask the Solicitor-General what categories of information are available under Freedom of Information legislation that have not been provided in written parliamentary answers by her Department in the last three years.

Harriet Harman: I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 24 January 2005, Official Report, column 140W by the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Leader of the House if he will list the occasions between 31 March 2003 and 31 March 2004 when special advisers attended meetings with external representatives at which Ministers were not present.

Peter Hain: Special advisers hold meetings with a wide range of external representatives in their official capacity. All such meetings are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers".

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Leader of the House if he will list the speeches his special advisers made in an official capacity between 31 March 2003 and 31 March 2004, broken down by date.

Peter Hain: None.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Burundi

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development, what assessment his Department has made of the (a) humanitarian and (b) security situation of Banyamulenge refugees in Burundi; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: DFID and other members of the international community are paying close attention to the situation of the Banyamulenge refugees in Burundi.
	Through its spokesman, the Burundian army has stated publicly that recent threats against the Banyamulenge should be taken seriously and that it is taking additional measures to protect the Banyamulenge refugees living in Burundi. The UK, United Nations and international partners continue to remind the Burundi authorities of their responsibilities in this area.
	There are around 3,000 refugees in official sites in Mwaro and Muyinga provinces. The UN Mission in Burundi (ONUB) has increased its patrols in the area where Banyamulenge are known to be living and will monitor protection arrangements efforts promised by the Burundi authorities. The United Nations Mission in Burundi (ONUB) Force Commander is in close contact with the commander of the Burundian First Military Region. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees is closely monitoring the situation in those camps and humanitarian assistance is being provided.
	In addition, another 80 Banyamulenge families are living in a former transit site at Ngagara in Bujumbura town, living and working among the local community. Their security is the responsibility of the Burundi Government, but ONUB is also monitoring the situation closely.

Burundi

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the current drought in Kirundo Province in Burundi on the (a) economic and (b) humanitarian situation in (i) Busoni, (ii) Bugabira, (iii)Ntega, (iv) Kirundo and (v) Burundi as a whole; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: Cyclical periods of drought and cassava pest (manioc mosaic) are having an adverse impact on the availability of food and on households' capacity to produce food in the northern provinces of Burundi. The World Food Programme (WFP) has said it will assist 520,000 people in the provinces of Kirundo and Muyinga for the next two months. This month it delivered 1,485 metric tonnes of food aid to 176,000 people in the communes of Busoni, Bugabira and Kirundo.
	Distribution of food aid and emergency agricultural inputs (seeds and tools) have been increased since July 2004, but these have had a limited impact because of poor rains, extremely low productivity of the land, reduced arable land by household and the poor health status of the population. The negative impact of these combined factors on food security and nutrition show the widespread and extreme fragility of an average Burundian household.
	DFID has contributed £750,000 to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) through the UN Consolidated Appeal for emergency agriculture activities in an effort to improve the food security situation. The WFP has said it has enough funding for food aid for the next five months. We are concentrating our efforts on food security through the FAO and looking at other support in an effort to prevent a recurrence of the present situation.

Civil Society Challenge Fund

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will list the amounts paid over the last two years from the Civil Society Fund, broken down by (a) the recipient, (b) the country they are operating in and (c) the purpose of the grant.

Hilary Benn: For fiscal years 2002–03 and 2003–04, the Civil Society Challenge Fund (CSCF) funded 202 projects. Those projects were implemented and administered by 98 different United Kingdom Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
	I have arranged for the document entitled Projects funded under DFID's Civil Society Challenge Fund—2002–03 and 2003–04" to be deposited in the Libraries of the House, which shows each of the individual projects together with the CSOs, the country in which they worked, the name of each project and the amounts spent by them on each project for the fiscal years 2002–03 and 2003–04.

Iraq

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make it his policy to give direct grants to Iraqi non-governmental organisations that operate in accordance with his Department's humanitarian objectives; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The last 18 months has seen the formation of many new Iraqi Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) seeking to address and articulate the rights of ordinary Iraqis. CSOs include such bodies as non-governmental organisations, professional unions and associations, faith-based organisations, government and legislative bodies. With little history of independent civil society in Iraq, many of these CSOs lack capacity. DFID's Civil Society Fund (CSF), a two-year programme with a budget of £5 million, seeks to strengthen the capacity of Iraqi CSOs better to address the needs of poor, vulnerable and socially excluded groups, especially women and young people. Much of the fund is aimed at building links between Iraqi and international CSOs. However, direct funding for Iraqi CSOs is also available.

Iraq

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 24 January 2005, Official Report, column 25W, on Iraq, if he will list the multilateral organisations to which the UK Government has contributed since April 2003; in what month each contribution was made; and how much was contributed to each organisation.

Hilary Benn: Since April 2003, monthly DFID expenditure to multilateral organisations for Iraq has been:
	
		
			  Organisation £ 
		
		
			 2003   
			 May World Food Programme (WFP) 5,000,000 
			  United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 7,035,000 
			  United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) 7,000,000 
			  United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) 750,000 
			 June Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) 1,500,000 
			  World Health Organisation (WHO) 5,000,000 
			  United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) 4,000,000 
			  United Nations Security Coordination Office (UNSECOORD) 100,000 
			 July United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) 400,000 
			 August UNSECOORD 500,000 
			  International Monetary Fund (IMF) 525,000 
			 September WFP 26,000,000 
			  UNICEF 6,835,187 
			 November United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 5,116,312 
			
			 2004   
			 January UNSECOORD 3,000,000 
			 February United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 358,573 
			 March World Bank International Trust Fund 40,000,000 
			  United Nations International Trust Fund 30,000,000 
			  World Bank International Finance Corporation (IFC) 8,324,084 
			  UNDP 4,068,568 
			  United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) 500,000 
			 December IMF 262,500 
		
	
	Total since April 2003: £156,275,224.
	In May 2003, DFID also contributed £16,000,000 to the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement for its work in Iraq.

Political Participation Fund

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will list the amounts paid over the last two years from the Political Participation Fund, indicating the recipient, the country they are operating in and the purpose of the grant in each case.

Hilary Benn: DFID's Political Participation Fund (PPF) for Iraq aims to maximise citizen participation and representation in the political process, particularly the poor and vulnerable. Following the signing of the contract with the project managers, the British Council, in August 2004, the PPF has so far committed £1.24 million to 29 projects.
	The PPF provides funds to a wide range of Iraqi partners for political awareness and voter education programmes. Activities include journalist training, radio programmes, the production of posters and brochures, workshops, symposiums, seminars and research. I regret that I am unable to provide a list of the organisations receiving funding from the PPF, as known links between Iraqi organisations and DFID or the UK Government could inhibit their work or threaten their security.

Rapid Assessment Analysis Action Planning

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how his Department plans to be involved in the implementation of the existing national plans of action resulting from the UNICEF-led Rapid Assessment Analysis Action Planning process.

Hilary Benn: At the Global Partners Forum on orphans and vulnerable children in Washington DC in December 2004, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State announced how DFID would be meeting its spending target of at least £150 million on orphans and vulnerable children over the next three years. This included £38 million to be delivered through UNICEF for work in Africa.
	DFID plans to work very closely with UNICEF to support elements of the Rapid Assessment Analysis Action Planning Process (RAAAP) plans in some of the countries in Africa which are most affected by AIDS—this includes six Southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, Lesotho and South Africa under a regional programme estimated at £18 million over three years, and in a separate programme of support in Zimbabwe.
	The support DFID provides will be based upon the UNICEF Framework for the protection, care and support of orphans and vulnerable children living in a world with HIV/AIDS, which aims to: strengthen families' ability to cope, through such things as financial credits, child care and developing skills; start and support community-based responses, largely through involving local leaders; ensure that vulnerable children have access to essential services, such as education and health care; ensure that governments protect the children that are the most vulnerable; and, finally, raise awareness to create an environment that understands and supports those children.
	DFID is also planning to work with UNICEF and provide assistance to strengthen the capacity and competence of UNICEF's Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO). This is in order that RAAAP plans can be built into wider planning and implementation processes and interventions are based on firm evidence about their effectiveness. We are also developing a programme of support to UNICEF in New York so that they can provide global oversight and develop country commitment and the means to monitor and track the international response to meeting the needs of vulnerable children.
	We are working though our bilateral programmes in DFID's target countries in Africa, with Government, and civil society organisations to address the needs of vulnerable children. Where countries have their own Poverty Reduction Strategies, DFID is pressing for children and AIDS" issues to be included in budget planning, allocation and expenditure. This is being done in close consultation with UNICEF.

Rwanda

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether it is his Department's policy to continue adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Rwanda with the intention of providing long-term stable funding to support Rwanda's development and recovery from genocide.

Hilary Benn: The UK Government are Rwanda's major bilateral development partner. Our relationship with the Government of Rwanda is based on the UK/Rwanda Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which provides a basis for dialogue and assessment of progress.
	The MoU describes the Government of Rwanda's commitments to the Rwandan people on poverty reduction, promoting regional stability, creating a democratic and inclusive state, and progressively securing human rights, and confirms that the UK's support depends on continuing, specific progress in these areas.
	The MoU also describes the UK's commitments to the Government of Rwanda, in particular their commitment to reducing poverty in Rwanda through predictable, flexible support over the long-term and to continue to develop the UK's engagement in a transparent and inclusive manner. UK development assistance allocated to Rwanda is £42 million in 2004–05, rising to £46 million in 2005–06.

Sri Lanka

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development with which non-governmental organisation his Department is working to provide relief and reconstruction to tsunami victims in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The Department for International Development's humanitarian response to the tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka has been channelled through United Nations agencies, the Red Cross movement, and non-governmental organisations and in direct in-kind interventions aimed at addressing immediate needs. DFID is providing financial support to five NGOs: Save the Children Fund UK, HelpAge International, World Vision UK, Basic Needs and ZOA Refugee Care. We are also considering proposals from 12 other NGOs regarding transitional shelter, water and sanitation and livelihoods support. The assistance that DFID has provided, and is supporting, is geographically spread throughout the country. This includes substantial support to Tamil communities in proportion to needs across the country.
	DFID's focus for longer-term reconstruction in Sri Lanka is likely to be on providing support to the rebuilding of livelihoods and services for poor people in affected regions. The Sri Lankan Government are putting together a needs assessment with the support of the World Bank and others and DFID will consider how we can best channel our support when we receive the completed assessments.

Tsunami Relief

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development what representations he has received about the cost of transporting food to the Asian disaster zone; and delays in its despatch.

Hilary Benn: I have received no representations on the cost of transporting food to the Asian disaster zone, nor have I heard reports to suggest wide-scale problems relating to food availability in the region, but DFID continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure appropriate coverage in meeting clearly identified needs. DFID is maintaining close contact with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on these issues. Non-governmental organisations have commented that the WFP has done a very good job at short notice in distributing food but are concerned about medium-term implications of distributing large quantities of food. DFID will remain in contact with the WFP on discussions about potential longer-term food aid requirements to ensure these are both appropriate and cost effective.
	DFID has provided £3.5 million to the WFP's Emergency and Special Operations for food distributions in Sri Lanka and Indonesia and in support of their regional logistics role. In addition, DFID has provided £600,000 to the Food and Agriculture Organisation and our support to Christian Aid, Help Age International, Save the Children Fund and World Vision each contain food assistance as part of their relief programmes.

Ugandan Refugees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will estimate the number of (a) internally displaced people in Uganda and (b) refugees from Uganda in neighbouring countries; what assessment his Department has made of the (i) amount and (ii) nature of the humanitarian assistance dedicated to these individuals; how these humanitarian efforts have changed since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The number of displaced people in Uganda in 1997 was approximately 400,000. Currently, there are 1.6 million internally displaced people. The number of Ugandans living as refugees in neighbouring countries in 1997 was 296,700. Up-to-date figures are not currently available, but are known to be far less. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner in Geneva is working on its detailed 2004 Statistical Report, which should be made available publicly later this year.
	It is not possible to provide accurate figures for overall humanitarian assistance to displaced people inUganda in 1997. In 2004 humanitarian assistance for displaced people in Uganda was approximately £81 million, aimed principally at meeting basic needs. Information is not held about the proportion or nature of humanitarian assistance provided to Ugandans living as refugees in neighbouring countries, as the provision of this assistance is not determined by ethnicity.

Zimbabwe

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  what his strategy is for assisting the Zimbabwean veterans who served in the Second World War for pre-Zimbabwe organisations and their widows; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what recent meetings he has held with (a) ZANE and (b) others concerning service veterans, and their widows, living in Zimbabwe.

Chris Mullin: I have been asked to reply.
	Our Consul in Harare provides advice and assistance to British citizens in Zimbabwe including veterans and their widows. He recently met representatives of Zimbabwe A National Emergency (ZANE) to discuss the situation facing veterans in Zimbabwe. We sympathise with the suffering of veterans and widows who are Zimbabwean citizens. But it is incumbent on the Government of Zimbabwe to provide for their welfare. We continue to press the Government of Zimbabwe to provide for the welfare of its citizens.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agricultural Mid-term Review

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will make an announcement on the conclusions of the mid-term review with reference to (a) permanent pasture, (b) the 10-month rule, (c) entry and higher level agri-environment schemes and (d) three metre margins.

Alun Michael: All the main policy decisions on the single payment scheme have now been announced. In support of this, six scheme brochures containing details about the scheme have been published. Furthermore, a detailed explanatory booklet of all the relevant scheme rules is currently being prepared and will be discussed with stakeholders during its development.
	Following Commission approval of proposals on a new Environmental Stewardship Scheme, officials are currently preparing a statutory instrument to lay before the House. The intention is to distribute an information leaflet to all farmers with holdings of over 10 hectares during February with a view to launching the scheme in March.

Agriculture and Fisheries Council

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the outcome was of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 24 January; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: I represented the United Kingdom at a meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 24 January 2005.
	It being the first Council of their Presidency, Luxembourg presented their work programme for the next six months. Among their top priorities would be to reach agreement on the new Rural Development Regulation and to progress work on reform of the sugar regime. They also hoped to take forward work on rice, wine, tobacco, bananas, potato starch, organic farming, risk management for agriculture, international forestry and timber imports, avian influenza, aquatic animal diseases, chicken welfare, control of TSEs, potato nematode disease, Mediterranean fisheries and the EU Fisheries Fund.
	The Commission set out its plans for assisting the reconstruction of the fisheries industry in those countries affected by the tsunami and for the co-ordination of EU and member state initiatives in this sector. This would include Council legislation enabling decommissioned EU fishing vessels to be sent to the affected countries. I expressed support for the Commission approach, explained what action Britain had been taking and urged the Commission to speed up the adoption of the new Generalised System of Preferences scheme and to improve the rules of origin to help the affected countries export to the EU more effectively.
	Under any other business, Latvia and Sweden requested Community financial support following storms at the beginning of the month which had caused extensive damage to the forestry and agriculture sectors. Estonia, Lithuania and Denmark said they might also seek funding. The Commission would examine actions to help through EU programmes.
	Austria and Greece, supported by a number of other member states, called for assistance in exporting cereal and maize surpluses where bumper crops had led to storage problems and low prices. The Commission drew attention to action already taken on exports but would consider further intervention action.
	In response to a request from Poland, the Commission said it would keep up the pressure on Russia to speed up its inspection of EU export establishments for animal products in order to enable trade to re-start. It would also address problems created by Russia's insistence that export certification for plant and animal products be done at EU not member state level.
	After the Council, I attended a presentation by ministers from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and Least Developed Countries on the impacts of EU sugar reform for their economies. The meeting was attended by the three Commissioners with responsibility for agriculture, trade and development who drew attention to their work on an action plan to address the potential negative impact of reform on those developing countries which currently enjoyed preferential access to the EU market. None of the member states intervened.

Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology Commission

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology Commission will be disbanded; and what regulatory and other powers will be moved to which other organisations.

Elliot Morley: The recommendations made in the report on the Organisational and Performance Review of the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) are currently being considered by Defra, the Office of Science and Technology, the Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales and, in Northern Ireland, the Department of Environment and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. No final decisions have yet been made, although the Commission has agreed to complete its current work programme in April 2005.
	The AEBC has no regulatory or other powers. Its remit has been to provide the UK Government and Devolved Administrations with independent strategic advice on developments in biotechnology and their implications for agriculture and the environment.

Apiculture

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has given consideration to banning imports of bees to the UK (a) generally and (b) from countries with an identified problem with small hive beetle; and if she will make a statement.

Alun Michael: A total ban on imports of bees wouldbe inconsistent with our obligations under the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. Imports of bees into the European Union are not permitted unless the exporting country's authorities can certify that their bee health controls are equivalent to those of the EU and that the consignment has been checked for pests and diseases including small hive beetle.

Apiculture

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the beekeepers' associations regarding the threat posed to native bee colonies by the small hive beetle.

Alun Michael: Defra officials met representatives of the national beekeeping associations in the UK on 26 November. The discussions included consideration of the threat posed by the small hive beetle.

Apiculture

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she has taken to safeguard UK bee colonies from infestation by the small hive beetle.

Alun Michael: Defra officials and the National Bee Unit have worked closely with the European Commission to extend EU import controls to cover the small hive beetle. The unit has been providing advice to beekeepers as part of its extension programme and is developing contingency measures to manage any future outbreak.
	Arrangements for bee health matters in Scotland are the responsibility of the Scottish Executive.

Apiculture

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with other EU members regarding the outbreak of small hive beetle in Portugal.

Alun Michael: Defra officials have maintained regular contact with the European Commission following the finding last October of small hive beetle larvae in a consignment of bees imported into Portugal. The issue was discussed by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health on 11–12 October and 11 November, and at a Commission meeting of bee experts from the UK, Germany and Italy on 9 November in the context of developing a bee disease Chapter about the pest for the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Tsunami

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions has she had with (a) non-governmental organisations and (b) national governments on assistance for animal welfare measures following the recent tsunami.

Ben Bradshaw: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not held any discussions with NGOs or national governments on assistance for animal welfare measures following the tsunami.

Bovine TB

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to publish the findings from the Krebs trials; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB (ISG) has advised that the Randomised Badger Culling Trial should be complete in the first half of 2006. The ISG will share the initial findings from its analysis of the effect of the proactive treatment with Defra shortly thereafter. A final report will be published once full analysis of the data has been carried out. This is likely to be early in 2007.

Climate Change

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to demonstrate to (a) EU members and (b) G8 members that tackling climate change need not have a detrimental economic impact.

Elliot Morley: The EU as a whole is currently investigating the economic implications of tackling climate change; the Commission will shortly publish a cost-benefit analysis which member states will use to help formulate our long-term strategy.
	Between 1990 and 2003 the UK economy grew by 36 per cent. while emissions of all greenhouse gases fell by around 14 per cent. and as part of our Energy White Paper an analysis was undertaken showing that reductions in carbon dioxide of 60 per cent. by 2050 need not have a major impact on economic growth.
	Keeping the cost manageable depends on the steady introduction of measures, starting from now, which is why the UK has a long-term policy. We share this experience with our G8 partners and other member states on a regular basis.

Community Energy

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which (a) organisations and (b) individuals have written to her Department supporting the continuation of the Community Energy programme.

Elliot Morley: We have received 22 letters supporting continuation of the programme from parliamentarians. A further dozen letters were recorded from other organisations and individuals: Mayor of London; Southwark council; XCO 2 ; DWP Harvesting and Marketing; Birmingham council; LGA Environment Board; CIBSE's CHP Group; Highland Council; P.North; R. Rippengal; G. V. Gilliam and N. Bolger.

Drinking Water

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the cost of removing (a) pesticides and (b) nitrates from drinking water supplies for each year since 2000.

Elliot Morley: The cost of removing pesticides and nitrates from drinking water supplies is not available on an annual basis. Water companies reported to Ofwat that they incurred capital expenditure of £18 million for pesticide treatment and £36 million for nitrate treatment in order to meet the respective drinking water quality standards during the period April 2000 to March 2004.

Energy Crops Scheme

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many farmers participated during the reference period of the Energy Crops Scheme; and what the total payment was.

Alun Michael: Grants totalling £1.2 million have been paid to date under the Energy Crops Scheme since it was launched in 2000. Funding has been approved for: 56individual farmers to plant energy crops; and for three producer groups (comprising a total of 53 farmers) to be set up to supply energy crops to end-users. A further 91 applications for planting grants, totalling £1.4 million, are currently being assessed.

Environment Council

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government's priorities for the Environment Council will be during the United Kingdom's Presidency of the European Union; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The issues the Environment Council will be working on during the United Kingdom presidency of the European Union are contained in the 2004–06 Multiannual Strategic Programme and the Luxembourg-UK Annual Operating Programme for 2005, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. We will seek to maintain progress on the range of business covered in these plans, in the light of where matters stand at the end of the Luxembourg presidency. However, we expect the following to be included in this business.
	The Prime Minister has made it clear that climate change is a priority for both our G8 and EU presidencies, and we will maintain momentum towards establishing mid and longer-term strategies and targets, and seek to ensure that the EU can demonstrate progress towards its Kyoto commitments. We will take forward any Commission proposals to incorporate aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.
	The Government will invest major efforts in progressing the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) Regulation based on an effective balance between economic, social and environmental considerations.
	The UK presidency will take forward work on those thematic strategies in the framework of the Sixth Community Environmental Action Programme that have been published by the European Commission in time for the UK presidency.
	The Government will take follow-up action to the spring European Council's review of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy, and will provide environmental input to the 2006 review. We will apply the principles of better regulation by proceeding with proposals that have been through proper economic, social and environmental impact assessment, and seek to build on the Cardiff integration process at the level of individual policies.
	In 2005 momentum will be maintained on the regulation on a financial instrument for the environment (LIFE+) and on the INSPIRE directive which aims to put in place infrastructures for the prevention and better management of potential environmental risk. Concerning nature and biodiversity, we will take forward work on biodiversity action, depending on the timely submission of proposals from the European Commission, and on the directive on humane trapping standards.
	Work will also continue on: the bathing waters directive; the sulphur content of marine fuels; a Pollutant Release and Transfer Register; priority substances and emissions control; protection of ground water; waste shipments; the directive on batteries and accumulators; the management of mining waste; end-use energy efficiency and energy services directive; stricter emissions standards for light duty vehicles; and applying the Aarhus Convention to the EC.
	The Government will also seek to make progress on the implementation of the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP), to ensure that measures are taken to stimulate innovation and market penetration for environmental technologies so that synergies between environmental protection and enhanced economic competitiveness are fully exploited.
	The UK and Luxembourg presidencies will also ensure effective preparation and coordination of international meetings throughout the year, including for the UNEP Governing Council, the UN CSD and the UN's high level review of Progress against the Millennium Declaration and the WSSD commitments. The annual meeting of the UN Climate Change Convention will be particularly important because of the expected entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol.

EU Fisheries

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures the European Community institutions are bringing forward covering the fishing fleets of the EU member states that acceded to the EU in 2004.

Ben Bradshaw: The regulations which applied to the Community of 15 will apply equally to the new member states.

EU Fisheries

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on levels of fishing by vessels from European Union member states that joined the EU in 2004 within the UK's home waters.

Ben Bradshaw: The following quotas which can be fished in UK waters are held by the new member states for 2005:
	
		Tonnes
		
			  Poland Latvia Lithuania Estonia 
		
		
			 Mackerel 844 — — — 
			 Greenland halibut 10 — — 10 
			 Roundnose grenadier 676 32 10 — 
			 Deep sea sharks 10 — 10 — 
			 Black scabbardfish 1 32 131 73 
			 Blue ling 1 — 2 5

Freedom of Information

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what categories of information are available under Freedom of Information legislation that have not been provided in written parliamentary answers by her Department in the last three years.

Alun Michael: I refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs (Mr. Leslie) on 24 January 2005, Official Report, column 140W.

Ghost Ships

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the latest position in respect of the ghost ships at Hartlepool, indicating what action she plans to take.

Elliot Morley: The future of the four US ships on Teesside is primarily a matter for the US Marine Administration, as owners of the vessels, and Able UK, who are intending to seek the necessary permissions for dismantling the vessels at their Teesside facility.
	The four US ships are currently docked in Able UK's Graythorp dock on Teesside. Able UK submitted applications for planning permission on 18 January 2005. These applications, which include proposals for the construction and refurbishment of quays, the construction of a cofferdam and new dock gates, will be determined by the relevant planning authority, Hartlepool borough council. An application for a waste management licence is expected in the next few weeks. Any such application would be determined by the Environment Agency.
	In the meantime dismantling work is prevented by a waste management licence condition. The dock facility itself is subject, as necessary, to regular inspection by the Environment Agency in liaison with the Health and Safety Executive.

Goldfish

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason the plan to make illegal the awarding of goldfish as prizes at fairgrounds has been dropped; and what discussions her Department held with the (a) Prime Minister and (b) Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter.

Ben Bradshaw: The draft Animal Welfare Bill which contained a provision relating to the giving of pets as prizes was published in July. The inclusion of the Bill in the Government's legislative programme was announced in the Queen's Speech. It would not be appropriate to speculate on any changes that may have been made to the published draft before the Bill is introduced in Parliament. As is usual with all Government legislation, there has been consultation across Government about its content.

Green Waste

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the collection of green waste via kerbside collections, with particular reference to 240-litre bio-bins.

Elliot Morley: The Government supports the collection of green waste for composting via kerbside collections as part of a local authority's strategy for the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill in line with our commitment to meet the EU Landfill Directive targets. The Government encourages home composting as part of that strategy where appropriate in local circumstances. Local authorities may charge for the collection of green waste and this can influence the choice householders make in deciding how to deal with their green waste.
	The choice of receptacle used for the collection of green waste is the responsibility of the local authority.

New Rural Agency

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what decisions have been made on funding the new integrated agency for rural delivery; and for what purposes the funding rolled over from the Environmental Action Fund was to be put.

Elliot Morley: The first full financial year of the new integrated agency is expected to be 2007–08. The rolled over funding of £1.95 million for 2005–06 under the Environmental Action Fund will go to existing recipients undertaking biodiversity projects. Arrangements for supporting biodiversity and natural resource protection in 2006–07 are being considered and will be announced in the summer.

Oil Contamination

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research she has commissioned on the duration of damage to (a) soil and (b) ground water resulting from oil spills and leakages.

Elliot Morley: The Environment Agency has undertaken a number of research projects that have considered the impact and attenuation of oil spills on soil and groundwater. In particular:
	The Natural Attenuation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Chlorinated Solvents in Groundwater, report P 305 dated 1999
	Guidance on the assessment and monitoring of natural attenuation of contaminants in groundwater, report number 95, dated 2000
	These reports are available from the Environment Agency via the attached internet links:
	http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/SPRP2–134–01-e-p.pdf
	http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/SR-DPUB95-e-e.pdf

Oil Contamination

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the responses to the consultation, Soil: the hidden resource", with particular reference to the risk of leakage from domestic oil tanks.

Elliot Morley: The Environment Agency has recently finished assessing the responses to its consultation: 'Soil: the hidden resource' and will be issuing its response to the main points raised shortly. There was one specific query on the risks of leakage from domestic oil storage and the agency recognises the concerns raised. It has produced guidance on domestic oil storage in collaboration with the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers and OFTEC and strongly recommends that these guidelines are followed at all times, and that domestic oil storage facilities are installed and maintained by qualified technicians to ensure compliance with relevant British Standards.

Research and Development

Anne Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many and what percentage of opportunities for research or consulting disseminated by the Department resulted in (a) research reports and (b) physical deliverables in each year since 2001–02.

Alun Michael: All research projects funded by Defra are required to produce final reports, which are thenpublished on Defra's website. In addition, Defra encourages research contractors to publish the findings of Defra-funded research in science journals and in the science press wherever possible. We can identify 1,198 Defra published reports since 2001–02.
	We would not expect to receive any other physical deliverables. Government and Defra policy following on from the Baker Report 1 is to leave ownership of intellectual property with the contractor. Thus any product of a material nature that is patent-worthy or has commercial potential is left with the contractor to develop further.
	1 Creating knowledge creating wealth: Realising the economic potential of public sector research establishments", a report by John Baker to the Minister for Science and the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, August 1999.

Veterinary Profession

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the Department for Education and Skills on maintaining recruitment into the veterinary profession, with particular reference to the State Veterinary Service.

Ben Bradshaw: The Secretary of State has not had any direct discussions with the Department for Education and Skills. However, Sir Alan Langlands, vice-chancellor of Dundee University, has been commissioned by the Department for Education and Skills to examine the gateways into the professions, which include veterinary science, and to produce a report. In particular, he will consider how the public sector and professions can sustain and improve the recruitment opportunities for graduates.
	My officials recently attended a consultation event presented by the Department for Education and Skills and my Department will make a full contribution to this initiative.

Waste Recycling

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the proportion of household waste recycled in Hartlepool was in each year since 1997.

Elliot Morley: The proportion of household waste sent for recycling or composting in Hartlepool since 1997 is presented in the table.
	
		
			  Percentage of household waste sent for recycling or composting in Hartlepool 
		
		
			 1997–98 4 
			 1998–99 4 
			 1999–2000 6 
			 2000–01 5 
			 2001–02 9 
			 2002–03 11 
		
	
	Source:
	Defra's Municipal Waste Management Survey (MWMS)
	MWMS Data for 2003–04 have not been released yet. Best Value Performance Indicator data (for the percentage of household waste sent for recycling or composting) are usually a good indicator for Defra's MWMS. The 2003–04 BVPI figure for the percentage of household waste sent for recycling or composting in Hartlepool is 13 per cent.

Waste Recycling

Ross Cranston: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding Dudley council received from her Department for waste reduction, minimisation and recycling in each of the last four years; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The main source of funding for Dudley council is through the Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services (EPCS) block of annual Government grant. It is for the local authority to decide what proportion of the block is invested in waste management services including recycling. It is therefore not possible to say how much funding Dudley received for waste reduction, minimisation and recycling in each of the last four years.
	Dudley also received funding from the National Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund; £665,000 in 2003–04 and £1,055, 695 in 2004–05.
	To relieve spending pressures in the waste area Dudley received £81,745 in 2004–05.
	The Waste and Resources Action Programme has allocated £20,000 to Dudley in 2004–05 to fund an awareness campaign related to kerbside collection.

Waste Recycling

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of (a) domestic, (b) commercial and (c) industrial refuse has been recycled within the Greater London area in each of the last three years.

Elliot Morley: Results from the Defra Municipal Waste Management Survey show the following household waste recycling and composting rates in the Greater London area:
	
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 2000–01 9.0 
			 2001–02 9.4 
			 2002–03 10.9 
		
	
	Corresponding data for commercial and industrial waste are not available.

Making Space for Water"

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the responses to the consultation, Making space for water", with particular reference to the risk of damage to domestic oil tanks from flooding.

Elliot Morley: Some 270 responses have been received to the Making space for water" consultation exercise, which sought views on proposals for a new Government strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management in England.
	One response, from a major supplier of alternative fuel, made reference to the risk of damage to commercial and domestic oil tanks from flooding and the resulting environmental impact.
	The Government is currently considering all the responses made to the consultation exercise with a view to publishing a Government response in spring 2005.

PRIME MINISTER

Cabinet Secretary

Keith Vaz: To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to appoint the next Cabinet Secretary.

Tony Blair: The serving Cabinet Secretary, Sir Andrew Turnbull, is due to retire from the Civil Service later this year.

Drinks Industry (Meetings)

James Gray: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the meetings he has had with representatives of the drinks, licensing and public house industries in the last 12 months broken down by (a) date and (b) attendees; whether civil servants were present at each meeting to record what occurred; and what separate meetings his officials have had with the drinks industry.

Tony Blair: During the consultation process on the Licensing Act and the Alcohol Strategy, Ministers and officials across Government met a wide range of companies, local authorities, trade unions, the police, and many public bodies and individuals, as part of the usual policy-making process. All meetings were undertaken in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and the civil service code.
	In May 2004 I attended the Responsible Drinking Forum, accompanied by my officials, where I gave a speech on alcohol abuse. A copy of this is available on the Number 10 website. My officials met the organisers of the Responsible Drinking Forum in preparation for this event.

European Constitution

John Hayes: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list occasions when his office has organised briefing meetings on the European Constitution for those outside Government.

Tony Blair: My officials and I regularly discuss the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe with outside stakeholders.

European Constitution

Keith Vaz: To ask the Prime Minister when he will set a date for the referendum on the European Constitution.

Tony Blair: Clause 6 (1) of the European Union Bill provides for the date of the referendum to be set by order, after the Bill has been approved by Parliament. No decision has yet been taken on the date.

Gulf Co-operation Council

Keith Vaz: To ask the Prime Minister when he plans to meet the Chairman of the Gulf Co-operation Council during the British Presidency of the EU.

Tony Blair: I have no current plans to meet the Chairman of the Gulf Co-operation Council during the UK Presidency of the EU. Detailed planning for meetings during the UK Presidency is still under way. However, I have frequent contacts with the leaders of the GCC countries and intend to continue this.

Homelessness (Thames Gateway)

John Hayes: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his oral answer to the right hon. and learned Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Howard) on 26 January 2005, Official Report, column 300, on homelessness and the Thames Gateway development, to which hon. Member he was referring; and what the evidential basis was for his statement that the opposition planned to cancel the project.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the right hon. and learned Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Howard), at Prime Minister's Questions on 26 January 2005, Official Report, column 300. A copy of the article that contains the pledge by the hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs. Spelman) to which I referred has been placed in the Library of the House.

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the occasions between 31 March 2003 and 31 March 2004 when special advisers attended meetings with external representatives at which Ministers were not present.

Tony Blair: No central records are held and to obtain such records would incur disproportionate costs. Special advisers hold meetings with a wide range of external representatives in their official capacity. All such meetings are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the speeches his special advisers made in an official capacity between 31 March 2003 and 31 March 2004, broken down by date.

Tony Blair: No central records are held and to obtain such records would incur disproportionate costs. Any speeches made by special advisers in an official capacity are conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.

TRANSPORT

Departmental Policies (Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East)

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effect on Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency of his Department's policies since 8 June 2001.

Charlotte Atkins: The Department has put in place a considerable programme of improvements across a wide range of transport policy areas since 1997. I am confident that the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency will have benefited from these. For example, the injury totals for all road causalities in Great Britain fell from 327,803 in 1997 to 290,607 in 2003, and the numbers of children aged under 16 years killed or seriously injured on our roads fell from 6,452 in 1997 to 4,100 in 2003. On our railways, passenger kilometres have increased from 32.1 billion in 1996–97 to 40.9 billion in 2003–04, a rise of 27 per cent. In terms of improvements to air quality, emissions of the UK's two main pollutants—nitrous oxides and particles—fell by 31 per cent. and 27 per cent. respectively between 1997 and 2002.
	The funding provided directly to Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East since 2001 is shown in the following table. It has been for Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland councils to determine how that allocation has spent, in line with their local transport plan and their priorities.
	
		£ million
		
			 Local authority/ nature of funding 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Middlesbrough, South
			 Capital maintenance 0.887 0.734 0.622 0.792 
			 Integrated block 2.460 1.908 2.020 2.122 
			 Targeted bus grants(1) 0.014 0.016 0.664 0.081 
			 Total 3.361 2.658 3.306 2.995 
			 Redcar and Cleveland
			 Capital maintenance 1.568 1.621 1.555 1.739 
			 Integrated block 1.710 1.584 1.584 2.315 
			 Major schemes 0.618 1.750 0 0 
			 Targeted bus grants(1) 0.72 0.82 0.281 0.86 
			 Total 4.616 5.775 3.42 4.914 
		
	
	(1)Includes Rural Bus Subsidy Grant and Rural Bus challenge funding
	Finally, the Neighbourhood Statistics Service provides a wide range of statistical information at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 2001 census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at http://neighbourhood. statistics.gov.uk./. In addition, the Department for Transport's website also contains data on transport trends over the past 20 years at http://www.dft.gov.uk.

Departmental Policies (Hull)

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Kingston upon Hull North constituency, the effects on Kingston upon Hull North of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997.

Charlotte Atkins: The Department has put in place a considerable programme of improvements across a wide range of transport policy areas since 1997. I am confident that the Kingston Upon Hull constituency will have benefited from these. For example, the injury totals for all road causalities in Great Britain fell from 327,803 in 1997 to 290,607 in 2003, and the numbers of children aged under 16 years killed or seriously injured on our roads fell from 6,452 in 1997 to 4,100 in 2003. On our railways, passenger kilometres have increased from 32.1 billion in 1996–07 to 40.9 billion in 2003–04, a rise of 27 per cent. In terms of improvements to air quality, emissions of the UK's two main pollutants(nitrous oxides and particles(fell by 31 per cent. and 27 per cent. respectively between 1997 and 2002.
	The funding provided directly to Kingston Upon Hull since 1997 are shown in the table below 1 . It has been for Kingston Upon Hull to determine how that allocation was spent, in line with their local transport plan and their priorities.
	
		Kingston Upon Hull local authority -- £ million
		
			 Nature of funding 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Capital maintenance 0.552 1.248 1.461 1.501 1.461 1.678 1.892 
			 Integrated block 1.950 2.530 2.675 7.100 5.800 5.800 6.840 
			 Major schemes 0.300 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Targeted bus grants(2) 0 0 0 0 0.8 0 0 
			 Total 2.802 3.778 4.136 8.601 8.061 7.478 8.732 
		
	
	(2)Includes Rural Bus Subsidy Grant and Rural Bus challenge funding
	In addition, since 1997 the Kingston Upon Hull constituency has benefited from major improvements to strategic infrastructure—for example, the Highways Agency's A1033 Hedon Road Improvement.
	Finally, the neighbourhood statistics service provides a wide range of statistical information at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 2001 Census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at http://neighbourhood.statistics. gov.uk./. In addition, the Department for Transport's website also contains data on transport trends over the past twenty years at http://www.dft.gov.uk.
	1 Funding allocations for 1997–98 not included since they cover a period proceeding May 1997 and announcements concerning the 1997–98 allocations were made in 1996.

Airline Traffic Rights

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in granting Syrian Air intermediate fifth freedom traffic rights between Manchester and Beirut.

Charlotte Atkins: The Department has already granted Syrian Air intermediate fifth freedom traffic rights between Manchester and Beirut on a temporary basis following a request from the Syrian authorities. We hope to formalise this arrangement during discussions early this year.

Airline Traffic Rights

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in granting Pakistan International Airlines additional traffic rights between Manchester and North America.

Charlotte Atkins: The Department is in discussion with the Pakistani aeronautical authorities to arrange air services negotiations on a range of matters relating to UK-Pakistan aviation relations, including traffic rights between Manchester and North America.

Airline Traffic Rights

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in granting Afriqiyah Airline landing rights at Manchester Airport.

Charlotte Atkins: Afriqiyah Airways of Libya already has the right to fly to Manchester Airport.

EC Legislation

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on European Communities planned actions in the field of social legislation relating to road transport, with particular reference to projects arising from COM (2004) 360.

David Jamieson: The two main action points arising from the report in question are being taken forward. The European Commission has made a legislative proposal to replace Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3820/85 on drivers' hours; this proposal is intended to clarify and simplify the legislation, make it easier to enforce, and update and remove outdated exemptions. Linked to thisis a proposal to amend Directive 88/599/EEC on drivers' hours enforcement, which is intended to increase the quantity and quality of checks and harmonise enforcement practices.
	The Transport Council adopted its common positionon both these proposals in December 2004, and the European Parliament will consider the common positions shortly.

House Building (Transport Demand)

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with (a) the Deputy Prime Minister and (b) the West Midlands Regional Assembly about the impact of new housing in Worcestershire on the demand for travel to Birmingham.

Tony McNulty: The Secretary of State and other Ministers in the Department for Transport have not had any discussions with either the Deputy Prime Minister or the West Midlands Regional Assembly about the impact of new housing in Worcestershire on the demand for travel to Birmingham.
	Officials in both the Department for Transport and the Government Office for the West Midlands have, however, discussed the impact of new housing development across the West Midlands, including in Worcestershire, on the demand for travel in the West Midlands conurbation. Such discussions have been in the context of the Regional Spatial Strategy and the preparation of Local Transport Plans in Worcestershire and the conurbation. Working with ODPM the shared objective has been to ensure that regional and local strategies properly integrate transport with spatial planning to ensure sustainable strategies for economic growth.

Nottingham Express Transit

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of the cost of the Nottingham Express Transit will be borne by the local authority.

Charlotte Atkins: As with all proposed light rail projects in England (outside London), the promoting authorities are expected to contribute at least 25 per cent. from local sources towards the net capital costs of the proposed extensions.

Number Plate Cloning

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his current assessment is of the extent of car number plate cloning; what action is taken against users of vehicles with cloned plates; what assessment he has made of the ease of making and using such plates; what plans he has for new (a) legislation and (b) sanctions to deal with those making or using cloned plates; if he will introduce measures to ensure that car owners whose number plates have been cloned or used without their knowledge are not penalised; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: Evidence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's automated number plate recognition (ANPR) systems and the police suggests that cloning is being used by a small minority of motorists to avoid fines and charges. The police and DVLA are working closely to detect cloned vehicles.
	In order to combat the problem of cloning and preventing people from obtaining number plates to which they are not entitled, the Government have introduced measures to tighten up the supply of plates. Since 1 January 2003 all suppliers of number plates have been required to register with DVLA and to keep records of sales. Purchasers of plates are required to produce evidence of their identity as well as the vehicle registration document. Number plate suppliers who fail to comply with these requirements can be fined up to £5,000 and suspended from the register for up to five years. The Road Safety Bill currently before Parliament will extend the register of number plate suppliers to Scotland and Northern Ireland.
	It is already an offence to fail to display the correct registration mark on a vehicle and the maximum penalty is £1,000.
	We are currently reviewing the issue of the physical security of number plates, including manufacture and methods of fixing to the vehicle. The aim is to prevent plates being stolen for reissue.

Potters Bar

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce a decision regarding a public inquiry into the Potters Bar derailment.

Tony McNulty: The Secretary of State expects to be in a position to take a decision on whether to hold a public inquiry into the Potters Bar derailment once the Crown Prosecution Service has decided whether to bring prosecutions. However, this position is subject to periodic review.

Rail Freight

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps are being taken by his Department to ensure that in-house rail freight expertise is (a) transferred to and (b) can be called upon by the new Department for Transport rail organisation.

Tony McNulty: The rail freight activities of the SRA are transferring to the Department for Transport, and will be divided between the new Rail Group, and the Department's Logistics Policy Division. Detailed design and staffing of the new Rail Group, to enable the Department's rail responsibilities to be carried out effectively, is continuing. The Department is working closely with the SRA to ensure that it has the relevant capabilities for the new Rail Group. The Department is also in close contact with the rail freight industry.

Railways

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many new miles of railway track have been brought into use since 1997; and if he will list the new lengths of track.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 25 January 2005
	The Strategic Rail Authority advises that there have been 63.5 miles of new railway track brought into use since 1997. These comprise 12 miles from Worksop to Mansfield, four miles related to the Heathrow Express services and one and a half miles from Millerhill to Newcraighall. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link Section 1 from the Channel Tunnel to Fawkham Junction comprising 46 miles of new track was opened on 28 September 2003. In addition, three miles between Hamilton and Larkhill are due to be opened in early 2005.
	Double tracking of the lines between Kidsgrove and Crewe (nine miles) and between Burngallow and Probus (seven miles) have added a further 16 miles of new track.

Regional Transport Boards

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with (a) Passenger Transport Authorities, (b) the Passenger Transport Executive, (c) Regional Chambers, (d) Regional Development Agencies and (e) the Local Government Association on proposals for regional transport boards; and if he will make a statement.

Charlotte Atkins: Ministers have recently met the English Regions Network representing the eight English regional chambers outside London to discuss the proposals in the consultation document Devolving decision making: A consultation on regional funding allocations".
	The Government have indicated in the consultation paper that they do not intend to prescribe institutional arrangements for how regions should coordinate and prepare advice on regional priorities. It will be for regions themselves to decide if they wish to establish regional transport boards or other arrangements.
	We look forward to receiving the views of Passenger Transport Authorities and Executives, Regional Chambers, Regional Development Agencies, the Local Government Association, and other bodies on the proposals in the consultation document.

Speed Cameras

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much revenue has been paid to the Exchequer from speed camera operations in England in each year since 2001.

David Jamieson: The revenue figures for the National Safety Camera Programme in England and Wales since 2001 are as follows. The table indicates the number of safety camera partnerships participating in the programme at each stage:
	
		£
		
			   Number of partnerships participating in programme Receipts from fixed penalties  Expenditure Balance, accruing to the Consolidated Fund 
		
		
			 2000–01 7 partnerships 10,362,440 8,985,247 1,367,193 
			 2001–02 7 partnerships, 14 from October 2001 19,660,780 16,106,559 3,554,221 
			 2002–03 23 partnerships, 25 from July 2002, 29 from October 2002 68,872,320 54,256,502 14,615,818 
			 2003–04 Provisional (35 partnerships) 112.2 million 9 1.8 million 20.4 million 
		
	
	Details of programme funding for 2002–01 to 2002–03 are given in The national safety camera programme Three-year evaluation report", copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House, and are available from the Department's website. Except where special provisions apply, such as have been made for supporting the operation of approved safety cameras, the whole of offenders' fines normally accrue to the Consolidated Fund.

St. Pancras

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will instruct Network Rail to complete the necessary track and signalling work at King's Cross/St. Pancras to enable Great Northern services to be integrated with those of Thameslink prior to the opening of St. Pancras International Station in mid 2007.

Tony McNulty: Track and signalling work at King's Cross/St. Pancras forms part of the Thameslink 2000 project and would not enable existing Great Northern trains to run south of St. Pancras without the main Thameslink 2000 works. These require Transport and Works Act and other consents. Network Rail's applications are to be considered at a re-opened public inquiry which will determine whether this can proceed.

TREASURY

Business Rates

Brian Cotter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many non-domestic hereditaments in England are businesses with a rateable value of (a) £10,000 or less, (b) £25,000 or less and (c) £25,001 or more.

Stephen Timms: The number of non-domestic hereditaments, in England, with a rateable value of (a) £10,000 or less is 1,094,192, (b) £25,000 or less is 1,395,505 and (c) £25,001 or more is 257,679.

Carers

Mark Oaten: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the number of carers who are over the age of 65 years.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Mark Oaten, dated 31 January 2005
	As National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what recent estimates have been made of the number of carers who are over the age of 65 years. (211248)
	Figures from the Census 2001 National Report for England and Wales indicate that on Census day (29 April 2001) there were 944,650 people aged 65 and over in England and Wales providing unpaid care.
	The information below has been extracted from the CD supplement to the 2001 Census National Report for England and Wales, which is available in the House of Commons Library. The table shows the distribution of these carers according to the number of hours of care provided per week.
	
		Number of people aged 65 and over providing unpaid care in England and Wales, 2001
		
			 Hours of care provided per week Number 
		
		
			 1 to 19 501,318 
			 20 to 49 102,182 
			 50 or more 341,150 
			 Total 944,650 
		
	
	Source:
	Table S025 Census 2001 National Report for England and Wales

Child Trust Fund

Roger Berry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many children in Kingswood have benefited from the Child Trust Fund.

Stephen Timms: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Martin Linton) on 30 November 2004, Official Report, columns 87–88W. All children born and living in the UK since 1 September 2002 whose families receive child benefit will be eligible for the Child Trust Fund.

Child Trust Fund

Sally Keeble: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the number of children in Northampton, North who have received the Child Trust Fund.

Stephen Timms: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Martin Linton) on 30 November 2004, Official Report, columns 87–88W. All children born and living in the UK since 1 September 2002 whose families receive child benefit will be eligible for the Child Trust Fund.

Departmental Contracts

Mike Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many contracts in his Department have been granted to (a) EDS, (b) Fujitsu and (c) jointly in each of the last two years; whether they were open to competition; for what they were granted; for how much; over what period of time; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: In the last two years the Department has granted no contracts to either EDS or Fujitsu.
	The Inland Revenue has a contractual relationship with Capgemini through the ASPIRE contract that was signed on 5 January 2004. Fujitsu are one of three material sub-contractors to Capgemini but have no direct contractual relationship with the Revenue.
	HM Customs and Excise has a contractual relationship with Fujitsu through the Infrastructure Services Agreement which started in April 1999.
	The Department awards contracts in open competition according to the EU Procurement Regulations, based on best value for money.

Departmental Policies

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to Edinburgh, North and Leith constituency, the effects on Edinburgh, North and Leith of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997.

Stephen Timms: Since our election in 1997 the Government have put in place a radical programme of both macro-economic and micro-economic reform to improve the economic performance of all parts of the UK. There is significant evidence that these policies have already yielded considerable benefits for the Edinburgh, North and Leith constituency. For example, since May 1997, claimant unemployment has fallen by 53 per cent., long-term unemployment by 86 per cent. and long-term youth unemployment has almost been eradicated, with a reduction of 90 per cent.
	The Neighbourhood Statistics Service provides a wide range of statistical information at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 2001 Census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at http://neighbourhood.statistics. gov.uk./

Departmental Policies

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Kingston upon Hull North constituency, the effects on Kingston upon Hull, North of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997.

Stephen Timms: Since our election in 1997 the Government have put in place a radical programme of both macroeconomic and microeconomic reform to improve the economic performance of all parts of the UK. There is significant evidence that these policies have already yielded considerable benefits for the Kingston upon Hull, North constituency. For example, since May 1997, claimant unemployment has fallen by 45 per cent., long-term unemployment by 69 per cent. and long-term youth unemployment has almost been eradicated with a reduction of 97 per cent.
	The Neighbourhood Statistics Service provides a wide range of statistical information at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 2001 Census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at http://neighbourhood.statistics. gov.uk./

Drug Misuse Deaths

Paul Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many deaths misuse of (a) heroin, (b) cocaine, (c) crack and (d) magic mushrooms was a contributory factor in each of the last 10 years.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Paul Flynn, dated 31 January 2005
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking in how many deaths misuse of (a) heroin, (b) cocaine, (c) crack and (d) magic mushrooms was a contributory factor in each of the last 10 years. (211231)
	Available figures relate to deaths where the underlying cause was drug poisoning, not the total number where misuse of drugs was a contributory factor. The most recently available information is for deaths in 2002. Figures are shown in the attached table for the calendar years 1993 to 2002.
	
		Number of deaths from drug-related poisoning(3), involving selected drugs(4): England and Wales, 1993 to 2002(5) -- Number of deaths
		
			  (a) heroin/morphine (b) cocaine (including crack cocaine)(6) (d) psilocybin (magic mushrooms) 
		
		
			 1993 187 12 1 
			 1994 277 24 0 
			 1995 357 19 0 
			 1996 466 19 0 
			 1997 445 39 0 
			 1998 646 66 0 
			 1999 754 88 0 
			 2000 926 80 0 
			 2001 889 96 0 
			 2002 790 139 0 
		
	
	(3)Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes 292, 304, 305.2–305.9, E850-E858, E950.0-E950.5, E962.0 and E980.0-E980.5 for 1993 to 2000, and the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes F11-F16, F18-F19, X40-X44, X60-X64, X85 and Y10-Y14 from 2001 onwards.
	(4)Drugs mentioned on the death certificate of a death where the underlying cause was drug poisoning.
	(5)Data are for deaths occurring in each calendar year.
	(6)It is not possible to provide separate figures on deaths related to crack cocaine and cocaine from routine mortality data, as these substances are not generally separately identified on death certificates. ONS routinely publishes a combined figure for deaths mentioning cocaine on the death certificate. It is not possible, in cases where more than one substance is mentioned on the death certificate, to state which was primarily responsible for the death.

EU Accounting Requirements

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those accounting requirements set out in Commission Regulation (EC) 2238/2004, OJ L394 volume 47 of 31 December 2004 that will apply to and within member states but not to European Community institutions; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: Commission Regulation (EC) 2238/2004 amended Regulation 1725/2003, which itself amended Regulation 1606/2002, the Regulation which set out the requirements for the adoption and use of international accounting standards by member states and the Commission. The Regulation was amended to incorporate the updated international accounting standards—some have been revised and one has been withdrawn. Applicability to member states and the Commission has not changed.

European Communities Pensions

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost of European Communities pensions was in the last year for which figures are available; and what the forecast cost is for (a) 2014, (b) 2024, (c) 2034 and (d) 2044.

Stephen Timms: The total amount allocated for pensions in the 2004 budget was €817.6 million. No specific Commission forecasts are available for the years requested, but for historical and demographic reasons, pension costs will take an increasing share of the €6billion administration budget. Forecasts from 2002 suggested that costs would reach around €1.5 billion by 2015 but then stabilise in real terms. The Commission reforms of 2003 helped to reduce this future burden by increasing the retirement age to 63, abolishing correction co-efficients and increasing contributions from EU officials.

European Communities Pensions

John Hayes: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the ongoing pensions liabilities of the European Coal and Steel Community; and to where pension funds were transferred from closed budget lines and accounts.

Stephen Timms: We understand that the pension budget of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was transferred to the European Community's budget when the ECSC was wound up in 2002.

EU Court of Auditors

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what liabilities arise for the European Commission where budget discharge has not been granted by the Court of Auditors under Article 276 of the EC Treaty and Article 143 of the Financial Regulation.

Stephen Timms: The European Court of Auditors publishes an annual report on the Commission's management of the Community budget. When the report is published it includes the responses and comments of the European Commission on the Auditors' findings, as required by Article 143 of the Financial Regulation. The Council considers the report and makes a recommendation on discharge to the European Parliament. The European Parliament considers the Council's recommendation, as required under Article 276 of the EGA Treaty, and votes on a resolution on discharge. The Commission is required, also under Article 276, to take all appropriate steps to act on the observations made by the Court of Auditors, the Council and the European Parliament—including observations relevant to those sectors of the budget to which the Court of Auditors did not give a positive Statement of Assurance—and it produces an annual report on the actions it has taken.

EU Court of Auditors

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the assessed sum level of fraud within those areas of the European Communities budgets that have not been signed off by the European Court of Auditors.

Stephen Timms: The Government takes the issue of fraud or financial malpractice in the European Community's budgets very seriously and has pressed and continues to press for effective action to be taken, including the setting up of an independent and powerful European Anti-Fraud Office and an effective reform of the financial rules which ensures greater accountability and effectiveness of spending.
	The European Commission's annual Fight Against Fraud" report publishes the amounts of irregularities reported each year by member states. The most recent report covered 2003. The figures published were:
	Own Resources total irregularities declined from €342 million in 2002 to €270 million in 2003—down 21 per cent.;
	EAGGF Guarantee declined from €198 million to €169 million—down 15 per cent.;
	Structural Funds went down from €614 million to €482 million—down 22 per cent.
	When added together, the total irregularities reported in 2003 were €921 million—a reduction of 20 per cent. from the €1,154 million reported in 2002.
	The Commission's report deliberately does not provide a breakdown between cases of irregularity and fraud; fraud is defined and treated differently in each member state. Past estimates made by OLAF (the EU Anti-Fraud office) have suggested that around 20 per cent. of reported irregularities may turn out to be fraud. Applying this to the 2003 figure would suggest that the amount of fraud could be around €185 million. This would represent around 0.2 per cent. of total EC Budget expenditure in 2003.

EU Court of Auditors

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which organisations received funding contrary to finding 6.25 of the European Court of Auditors' report for 2003; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: The Government takes the issue of fraud or financial malpractice in the European Community's budgets very seriously and has pressed and continues to press for effective action to be taken, including the setting up of an independent and powerful European Anti-Fraud Office and an effective reform of the financial rules which ensures greater accountability and effectiveness of spending.
	In order to protect the professional relationship between auditor and auditee, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) cannot provide a greater level of specific information to the outside world than is provided in its adopted reports. In this particular case it is encouraging that the Commission has already taken action to remind member states of the appropriate provisions.

EU Court of Auditors

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will identify the ineligible expenditure referred to in paragraph 7.39 of the European Court of Auditors annual report for 2003.

Stephen Timms: In order to protect the professional relationship between auditor and auditee, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) cannot provide a greater level of specific information to the outside world than is provided in its adopted reports. In this particular case it is encouraging that the Commission has already taken action to improve controls and to rectify the specific irregularities indicated by the ECA.

EU Court of Auditors

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will identify the cases referred to in paragraph 9.45 ofthe European Court of Auditors annual report for 2003.

Stephen Timms: In order to protect the professional relationship between auditor and auditee, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) cannot provide a greater level of specific information to the outside world than is provided in its adopted reports. However in this particular case it is encouraging that the Economic and Social Committee has taken corrective action to prevent similar errors recurring in future.

EU Court of Auditors

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the cases of fraud identified in paragraph 31 of page 332 of the European Court of Auditors annual report for 2003.

Stephen Timms: In order to protect the professional relationship between auditor and auditee, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) cannot provide a greater level of specific information to the outside world than is provided in its adopted reports. In addition, since these cases have now been referred to OLAF it would not be appropriate to comment until OLAF's investigation has been completed.

EU Court of Auditors

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on each of the cases of irregularity identified in (a) paragraph 43 of page 335 and (b) paragraph 65 of page 345 of the European Court of Auditors annual report for 2003.

Stephen Timms: In order to protect the professional relationship between auditor and auditee, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) cannot provide a greater level of specific information to the outside world than is provided in its adopted reports. However it is encouraging to note that the Commission has taken action in response to the ECA's findings, by issuing new guidelines, initiating its own audit, and launching a comprehensive inventory in order to carry out a complete survey of these funds.

EU Court of Auditors

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the latest Commission Report on the Beneficiaries of Grants Made Under Chapter A-30; and which (a) internal audit and (b) Court of Auditors report related to these grants.

Stephen Timms: The European Commission produced its latest report on Chapter A-30 on 31 May 2004 in respect of EC Budget year 2003. I am arranging for a copy of this Report to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The Government has no information about specific internal audit reports.
	The European Court of Auditors has not produced a specific report on A-30 funded projects. Its audit of the 2003 EC Budget may have included sample checks on A-30 projects covered by the European Commission's Report.

European Union

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 15 December 2004, Official Report, column 1084W, on the European Union, what his Department's policy is on (a) analysing the cost-effectiveness of EU information campaigns and (b) applying for Communities funds to assist such campaigns.

Stephen Timms: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office take the lead in communicating EU matters on behalf of the UK Government. Three-year budgets are agreed at each spending review; within that framework Departments are accountable for their spending and for ensuring value for money.
	Propriety in spending on information campaigns, as in all Government spending, is ensured by the requirement that spending only occurs where the Government has the appropriate vires to do so. This applies whether funding comes from the EU budget or from the consolidated fund.

Film Industry

Hugo Swire: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when his Department expects to complete the review of the section 42 film tax incentive; which film industry organisations and representatives were involved; and when the findings of the review will be published.

Stephen Timms: As announced in the 2004 pre-Budget report, the Government are in the process of consulting with the UK Film Council and industry stakeholders on an early review, to the end of January 2005, of the tax relief that is used by large-budget British films. The outcome of the review will be announced in due course.

Identity Cards

Mark Oaten: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish (a) the Office of Government Commerce's (OGC's) Gateway Zero review into the identity cards scheme and (b) all other OGC reviews of the scheme.

Paul Boateng: I am currently reviewing whether there is any Gateway Review or other OGC review which should be published regarding the identity cards scheme and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as these considerations are complete.

Income Tax

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many 16 and 17-year-olds are liable for income tax.

Dawn Primarolo: The specific information requested is not available. For all income tax payers under 20 Irefer the hon. Member to table 3.2 'Distribution of median and mean income by age range and sex' on the Inland Revenue website at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/income_distribution/menu-by-year.htm#32.

Iraq

Harry Cohen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his most recent estimate is of the monthly cost of operations in Iraq; what the average monthly cost ofoperations since the war ended is; what the cost of operations during the war were; what the monthly costs incurred in relation to Iraq in addition to the costs of operations are; what the UK's financial commitment is to Iraq; what the (a) gross and (b) net sums are in each case where the former includes sums transferred from existing budgets; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: The Treasury does not estimate costs for Iraq in the manner requested. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (Derek Conway) on 26 January 2005, Official Report, columns 404–05W.
	The cost of operations such as Iraq is normally charged to the Reserve rather than transferred from existing budgets. The Reserve is a provision prudently set aside in Spending Reviews to provide for these events and for other emergencies such as the foot and mouth epidemic.

ISAs

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of restoring the 10 per cent. tax credit on dividends payable on shares held in equity ISAs.

Stephen Timms: No estimates are held for restoring the 10 per cent. tax credit. However, estimates of the cost of the 10 per cent. tax credit on dividend payments made on shares held in ISAs for the years 1999–2000 to 2003–04 are available and are supplied.
	
		
			  Cost (£ million) 
		
		
			 1999–2000 10 
			 2000–01 30 
			 2001–02 60 
			 2002–03 60 
			 2003–04 80

Sporting Bodies (Tax Payments)

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of tax paid by sporting bodies in the UK in the last year for which figures are available.

Stephen Timms: No separate information is available on tax paid by sporting bodies.

Stamp Duty

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the revenue effect would be of restructuring residential stamp duty (a) by increasing the zero rate threshold to £80,000 and leaving all other thresholds unchanged, (b) by increasing the zero rate threshold to £100,000 and leaving all other thresholds unchanged, (c) by increasing the zero rate threshold to £120,000 and leaving all other thresholds unchanged, (d) by increasing the zero rate threshold to £80,000 and raising all other thresholds by £20,000, (e) by increasing the zero rate threshold to £100,000 and raising all other thresholds by £40,000 and (f) by increasing the zero rate threshold to £120,000 and raising all other thresholds by £60,000.

Stephen Timms: The estimated revenue cost, in 2005–06, of restructuring stamp duty on residential property sales according to the six schemes described in the question is given in the following tables.
	
		
			 Rate Tax regime 1 thresholds Tax regime 2 thresholds Tax regime 3 thresholds 
		
		
			 0 per cent. £0–80,000 £0–100,000 £0–120,000 
			 1 per cent. £80,001–250,000 £100,001–250,000 £120,001–250,000 
			 3 per cent. £250,001–500,000 £250,001–500,000 £250,001–500,000 
			 4 per cent. £500,001 and above £500,001 and above £500,001 and above 
			 Revenue cost (£ million) 70 170 300 
		
	
	
		
			 Rate Tax regime 4 thresholds Tax regime 5 thresholds Tax regime 6 thresholds 
		
		
			 0 per cent. £0–80,000 £0–100,000 £0–120,000 
			 1 per cent. £80,001–270,000 £100,001–290,000 £120,001–310,000 
			 3 per cent. £270,001–520,000 £290,001–540,000 £310,001–560,000 
			 4 per cent. £520,001 and above £540,001 and above £560,001 and above 
			 Revenue cost (£ million) 290 620 1,050 
		
	
	This does not include any allowance for behavioural changes.

Tax Credits

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Inland Revenue will make its decision on the request of Mrs. Fury, a constituent of the right hon. Member for Birkenhead, that it reconsider its decision to claim back an overpayment in tax credits, made on 7 December 2004.

Stephen Timms: The Inland Revenue wrote to my right hon. Friend about his constituent on 28 January 2005.

Tax Credits

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many tax credit claimants were paid compensation by the Inland Revenue between April 2004 and the end of December 2004.

Stephen Timms: Around 14,400 compensation payments for tax credits were made between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2004.
	The circumstances in which the Inland Revenue will make compensation payments to its customers are explained in the Department's Code of Practice 1 Putting things right" which is available at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk. The Department will pay compensation for reasonable costs incurred as a direct result of its mistakes or delays and to recognise worry and distress caused by those mistakes or delays.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Access to Work

Roger Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to adopt changes to the Access to Work scheme similar to those recently introduced in Northern Ireland.

Maria Eagle: There are no plans to adopt changes to the Access to Work programme similar to those introduced in Northern Ireland.

Access to Work

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he has taken to promote the Access to Work programme; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: Jobcentre Plus invests around £300,000 a year marketing and publicising its disability services and programmes, including Access to Work.
	Leaflets and information about Access to Work are freely available in Jobcentres and Jobcentre Plus offices. Disability Employment Advisers regularly meet local employers to promote the full range of disability services, including Access to Work.
	Information on all disability services, including Access to Work, is available on the Jobcentre Plus website. The web address www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk is included on Jobcentre Plus publicity material and can be accessed through most internet search engines.
	Many disability organisations actively promote Access to Work to their members and some have information about Access to Work on their web pages which is regularly quality-assured by Jobcentre Plus.
	Details of Access to Work are available to all Jobcentre Plus Account Managers to draw upon, as part of their Employer Services Portfolio—a marketing folder containing details of all the services Jobcentre Plus can offer to employers.

Benefit Payments (Cleethorpes)

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in each electoral ward in Cleethorpes constituency are claiming disability living allowance.

Maria Eagle: The administration of disability living allowance is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Disability and Carers Service, Mr. Terry Moran. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Vivien Hopkins to Shona McIsaac, dated 27 January 2005
	The Secretary of State has asked Mr. Terry Moran, the Chief Executive, to reply to your question concerning how many people in each electoral ward in Cleethorpes constituency claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In Mr Moran's absence and as his deputy, I am replying on his behalf.
	The number of people in each ward of the Cleethorpes constituency in receipt of Disability Living Allowance is as follows.
	
		
			 Parliamentary constituency  Ward  DLA claimants 
		
		
			 Cleethorpes Barton 435 
			 Cleethorpes Croft Baker 660 
			 Cleethorpes Ferry 465 
			 Cleethorpes Haverstoe 315 
			 Cleethorpes Humberston and New Waltham 400 
			 Cleethorpes Immingham 580 
			 Cleethorpes Sidney Sussex 665 
			 Cleethorpes Waltham 220 
			 Cleethorpes Wolds 205 
		
	
	1.All wards based on census wards—those current as at April 2003.
	2.DLA figures are taken at August 2004, and include all DLA claimants including children, working age and pensioners claiming DLA.
	3.All benefit counts at ward level are rounded to a multiple of five to protect the confidentiality of individual claimants.
	Source:
	Information Directorate, Information Centre, Department for Work and Pensions.

Benefit Payments (Cleethorpes)

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in each electoral ward in Cleethorpes constituency claimed winter fuel allowance in 2003–04; and how many have claimed the allowance in 2004–05.

Malcolm Wicks: The number of people in each electoral ward of Cleethorpes who received a winter fuel payment in winter 2003–04 is in the table. Figures are not yet available for winter 2004–05 but we expect the numbers to be similar.
	
		
			 Ward name Winter fuel payment recipients 
		
		
			 Barton 2,195 
			 Croft Baker 2,250 
			 Ferry 2,210 
			 Haverstoe 2,255 
			 Humberston and New Waltham 2,215 
			 Immingham 2,180 
			 Sidney Sussex 2,240 
			 Waltham 2,300 
			 Wolds 2,295 
		
	
	Notes:
	1.All Wards based on Census Wards—those current as at April 2003.
	2.WFP Data is the latest currently available, Winter 2003–04.
	3.All benefit counts at ward level are rounded to a multiple of 5.
	Source:
	IAD Information Centre

Benefits Offices (Scotland)

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are employed at the benefits offices earmarked for closure in Scotland.

Maria Eagle: The total number of staff currently employed by the Department for Work and Pensions and its agencies in offices in Scotland which are earmarked for closure is 1,823.

Call Centre Operatives

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what rules govern responses to requests by clients for the names of the call centre operatives working for his Department and its associated public bodies who are giving them advice.

Maria Eagle: The DWP Identification Framework requires that all customers must be given a named contact who will be able to deal with their enquiry.

Carers

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many carers are in receiptof both the carers premium and the basic state pension.

Malcolm Wicks: At 31 August 2004, the most recent date for which figures are available, approximately 100,900 recipients of pension credit who were in receipt of the extra amount payable to carers were also in receipt of basic state pension.
	Note
	The figure, rounded to the nearest 100, is based on a 5 per cent. sample and is subject to a high degree of sampling variation.
	Source
	IAD Information Centre, Department for Work and Pensions

Child Support Agency

Mark Fisher: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects Child Support Agency (CSA) cases at the Dudley CSA office that concern people living in Stoke-on-Trent to be transferred to the new system.

Malcolm Wicks: I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer given to the hon. Member for Ashford (Mr.Green), on 8 December 2004, Official Report, column 568W.

Child Support Agency

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the letter of the Secretary of State to the right hon. Member for Birkenhead dated 16 December 2004, what the results have been of the discussions with EDS for delivering a working IT scheme for the Child Support Agency; and on what date he expects such a scheme to come into operation.

Chris Pond: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. Frank Field, dated 31 January 2005
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the letter of the Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Birkenhead dated 16th December 2004 what the results have been of the discussions with EDS for delivering a working IT scheme for the Child Support Agency; and on what date he expects such a scheme to come into operation.
	Discussions with EDS are still continuing and a meeting with senior executives is scheduled for early February. They remain on track for delivering the software and telephony upgrade needed to remedy the most serious defects with the system. Beyond that we are working with them on a longer term plan intended to support the recovery of the Agency's work position. Ministers have been clear that they will not decide on when to extend the arrangements to existing clients until they are satisfied that is working well for new clients.

Citizens Pensions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what cost-benefit analysis his Department has undertaken in the last five months of the introduction of citizens pensions;
	(2)  what cross-departmental meetings involving his Department have been held in the last five months in the introduction of citizens pensions.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department is examining a range of pensions proposals, including options for broader-based State provision. We keep policy proposals under constant review and are engaged in discussions across Government on such matters on a continual basis.

Criminal Offences

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the criminal offences created in legislation sponsored by his Department in the (a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04 session, broken down by Act.

Maria Eagle: The Pensions Act 2004 (c.35) was the only DWP-sponsored primary legislation during the sessions 2002–03 and 2003–04 which created criminal offences. Those criminal offences are:
	s77(1) A person who, without reasonable excuse, neglects or refuses to provide information or produce a document when required to do so under section 72 is guilty of an offence.
	s77(2) A person who without reasonable excuse
	(a) intentionally delays or obstructs an inspector exercising any power under section 73, 74 or 75,
	(b) neglects or refuses to produce, or secure the production of, any document when required to do so under section 75, or
	(c) neglects or refuses to answer a question or to provide information when so required, is guilty of an offence.
	s77(5) Any person who intentionally and without reasonable excuse alters, suppresses, conceals or destroys any document which he is or is liable to be required to produce under section 72 or 75 is guilty of an offence
	s80(1) Any person who knowingly or recklessly provides the Regulator with information which is false or misleading in a material particular is guilty of an offence if the information
	(a) is provided in purported compliance with a requirement under
	(i) section 62 (the register: duties of trustees or managers),
	(ii) section 64 (duty of trustees or managers to provide scheme return),
	(iii) section 72 (provision of information), or
	(iv) section 75 (inspection of premises: powers of inspectors),
	(b) is provided in applying for registration of a pension scheme under section 2 of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c 30) (registration of stakeholder pension schemes), or
	(c) is provided otherwise than as mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) but in circumstances in which the person providing the information intends, or could reasonably be expected to know, that it would be used by the Regulator for the purpose of exercising its functions under this Act or the Pensions Act 1995 (c 26).
	s82(5) Any person who discloses information in contravention of this section is guilty of an offence.
	s193(1) A person who, without reasonable excuse, neglects or refuses to provide information or produce a document when required to do so under section 191 is guilty of an offence s193(2) A person who without reasonable excuse
	(a) intentionally delays or obstructs an appointed person exercising any power under section 192,
	(b) neglects or refuses to produce, or secure the production of, any document when required to do so under that section, or
	(c) neglects or refuses to answer a question or to provide information when so required,
	is guilty of an offence.
	s193(6) Any person who intentionally and without reasonable excuse alters, suppresses, conceals or destroys any document which he is or is liable to be required to produce under section 191 or 192 is guilty of an offence.
	s195(1) Any person who knowingly or recklessly provides information which is false or misleading in a material particular is guilty of an offence if the information
	(a) is provided in purported compliance with a requirement under
	(i) section 190 (information to be provided to the Board etc),
	(ii) section 191 (notices requiring provision of information), or
	(iii) section 192 (entry of premises), or
	(b) is provided otherwise than as mentioned in paragraph (a) but in circumstances in which the person providing the information intends, or could reasonably be expected to know, that it would be used by the Board for the purposes of exercising its functions under this Act.
	s197(5) Any person who discloses information in contravention of this section is guilty of an offence. s256(4)) Where a trustee or manager of an occupational or personal pension scheme
	(a) is reimbursed, out of the assets of the scheme or in consequence of provision for his reimbursement made out of those assets, in respect of any of the matters mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b), and
	(b) knows, or has reasonable grounds to believe, that he has been reimbursed as mentioned in paragraph (a),
	then, unless he has taken all reasonable steps to secure that he is not so reimbursed, he is guilty of an offence.
	Schedule 4 paragraph (3) A person who without reasonable excuse refuses or fails
	(a) to attend following the issue of a summons by the Tribunal, or
	(b) to give evidence,
	is guilty of an offence.
	Schedule 4 paragraph (5) A person who without reasonable excuse
	(a) alters, suppresses, conceals or destroys a document which he is or is liable to be required to produce for the purposes of proceedings before the Tribunal, or
	(b) refuses to produce a document when so required,
	is guilty of an offence.
	There is also a power under s314(b) to create offences relating to failure to comply with regulations using affirmative regulations and s218(3) provides that obstructing the PPF Ombudsman will be treated as a contempt of court.

Departmental Expenditure

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much the Department spent on lawyers in each year since 1997; how many (a) actions, (b) settlements and (c) court cases there were in each year and what the costs were of each settlement.

Maria Eagle: DWP was formed in June 2001 from Department of Social Security (DSS) and parts of the former Department for Education and Employment, including the Employment Service.
	The available information is in the table. Data concerning case numbers, court cases and settlements could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Amount (£) 
		
		
			 1997–98 1,504,451.10 
			 1998–99 1,397,488.04 
			 1999–2000 1,576,455.00 
			 2000–01 1,872,967.66 
			 2001–02 2,843,386.00 
			 2002–03 3,076,455.50 
			 2003–04 3,159,313.00 
		
	
	Notes:
	1.Information for periods prior to June 2001 refers to the former DSS.
	2.The information provided refers only to expenditure on litigation, not advisory work.

Departmental Policies (Clwyd, South)

Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Clwyd, South constituency, the effects on Clwyd, South of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997.

Jane Kennedy: We have undertaken a fundamental overhaul of the welfare system, transforming it to an active system that fights poverty, creates opportunity and helps people become self-sufficient and independent.
	Since 1997 the Government have significantly extended and improved civil rights for disabled people in areas such as employment, education, access to goods and services and transport. Disabled people in Clwyd South will have benefited from these improvements in disability rights. Similarly families with severely disabled 3 and 4-year-old children who are unable, or virtually unable, to walk will have benefited from the Government's decision to lower the minimum age entitlement to the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance from April 2001, while older and less well-off carers have gained extra help through the provisions within the National Carers Strategy.
	In 2002–03 we estimate there were around 10 million adults (22 per cent.) and 0.7 million children (5 per cent.) in Great Britain likely to be covered by the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
	The figures can be broken down to regional level which shows that 31 per cent. of adults and 7 per cent. of children in Wales are likely to be covered by the provisions of the DDA.
	Information on the numbers of customers in Clwyd, South who are in receipt of disability living allowance (DLA) and attendance allowance (AA) is in the table.
	
		Clwyd, South parliamentary constituency
		
			 Operational year DLA/AA recipients 
		
		
			 2001 6,300 
			 2002 6,800 
			 2003 6,800 
			 2004 7,100 
		
	
	Source:
	DWP Information Centre. Figures are from a 5 per cent. sample at 31 August each year.
	Through Jobcentre Plus, we are promoting work as the best form of welfare for people of working age. The number of people in work is at historically high levels of over 28.5 million; in Clwyd, South, the proportion in employment has risen to 74 per cent.
	Our new deals have helped lone parents, the young unemployed, the long-term unemployed, disabled people, the over 50s and partners of unemployed people to move from benefit into work. Nationally over 1.2 million people have been helped into work by the New Deals, with over 1,400 in Clwyd, South alone.
	Significant progress has been made in eradicating child poverty and the latest figures for 2002–03 show that, in the UK, there were over half a million fewer children in relative low income than there were in 1996–97. Since 2001–02 incomes for lone parents in receipt of benefit have risen by more than prices or the cost of living. In April 2005 the child allowance rate in income support for a child up to 18 years old will have been increased by 40 per cent. since 2001–02. Child rates in income support and jobseeker's allowance are also being increased above inflation in April 2005 in line with child tax credit upratings. All of this has benefited 1,200 families in Clwyd, South.
	We want all pensioners to have a decent and secure income in retirement and to share fairly in the rising prosperity of the country, and our first priority has been to help the poorest pensioners. The Government will be spending nearly £10 billion more in 2004–05 (in 2004–05 prices) on pensioners as a result of measures introduced since 1997, with around half going to the poorest third.
	Our reforms include the State Second Pension, which helps more future pensioners build up better pensions, especially carers. Pension credit, introduced from October 2003, provides a contribution to a guaranteed minimum income for those aged 60 and over and, for the first time, those over aged 65 and over may be rewarded for savings and income. Around 3,860 pensioners in Clwyd, South are receiving pension credit, with an average award of £41.20 per week.
	We know that older people are disproportionately affected by fuel poverty. This winter (2004–02) we have again made available a winter fuel payment of £200 for each eligible household with someone aged 60 or over and £300 to those with someone aged 80 or over, to help with their fuel bills. Additionally for this year eligible households with someone aged 70 or over will receive the One-off 70+ Payment of £100 to help with living expenses including council tax bills. It is paid with the winter fuel payment.
	The constituency data on winter fuel payments are available in the Library.
	Since 1997 single pensioners and pensioner couples have seen a real terms increase in their Basic State Pension of 7 per cent. and 8 per cent., respectively. Some 12,900 pensioners in Clwyd, South have benefited from this increase.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the company pension funds identified in government-funded research as potentially eligible for the financial assistance scheme, broken down by estimated number of relevant scheme members.

Malcolm Wicks: We are currently analysing information on pension schemes obtained from our recent data collection exercise. Once we have done so we hope, as indicated in the written ministerial statement I gave on 2 December 2004, Official Report, columns 64–66WS, to be able to issue an indicative list of schemes likely to be eligible for assistance if they are subsequently shown to comply with the financial assistance scheme rules.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when his Department first publicly described the financial assistance scheme as an emergency package.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government's announcement of the financial assistance scheme (FAS) on 14 May 2004 made clear that the FAS is intended to deal with the considerable hardship caused by pension schemes winding up underfunded before the introduction of the Pension Protection Fund, which will cover such cases in the future. That objective is reflected in my oral answer on FAS as an emergency package on 24 January 2005, Official Report, column 18.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  when he expects the financial assistance scheme to commence;
	(2)  what cross-departmental meetings have been held in the last 10 weeks on the timing of the commencement of the operation of the financial assistance scheme.

Malcolm Wicks: On the expected start date for the financial assistance scheme, I refer to the written statement I gave on 2 December 2004, Official Report, column 66WS. As usual when a new policy is introduced, we have held and continue to hold a number of meetings on operational issues both within DWP and with other relevant Government Departments.

Income Support (Disabled Claimants)

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what framework his Department has put in place to enable a disabled claimant whose income support has been withdrawn under the cohabitation rule to have benefit restored if it can be demonstrated that he is not living with his carer as husband and wife; and if he will examine the case of Mr. Woodward, a constituent.

Malcolm Wicks: Where there is a dispute as to whether unmarried persons who share accommodation can be treated as living as husband and wife for income support purposes, a decision will be made by a decision maker. This decision is based on a careful consideration of all the relevant circumstances. No unmarried persons would be assessed as living together as husband and wife merely because they shared accommodation.
	The decision maker will refer to a number of key criteria in deciding whether or not two people are treated as a single unit for income support purposes, but the decision is made on the relationship as a whole. When the decision letter is sent to the customer advising that their income support is no longer payable, they are advised what they can do if they disagree with the decision, including details of the appeals process.
	For reasons of confidentiality, I will write to my hon. Friend about his constituent.

Jobcentre Plus

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what standards are set in Jobcentre Plus offices for (a) response times within which telephone numbers which are advertised to the public are answered and (b) the percentage of time in a working day when lines are not engaged; and what the most recent figures are for performance against these standards.

Jane Kennedy: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, David Anderson. He will write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from David Anderson to Dr. Vincent Cable, dated 31 January 2005
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the response times on telephone calls. You asked specifically about the response times before telephone numbers which are advertised to the public are answered, the percentage of time in a working day when lines are not engaged and what the most recent figures are for the performance against these standards. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Jobcentre Plus has a Customers' Charter which sets out the level of service that customers can expect when dealing with us, including the standards we aim for when answering telephone calls. The current standard states when you phone us or use a textphone we aim to answer your call within 30 seconds". The Charter is available from our local offices or can be printed from the internet through the Jobcentre Plus website. I have placed a copy of the latest version of the Charter in the Library.
	This standard has been in place since the introduction of Jobcentre Plus and applies equally to all areas of the business—whether delivered through our local offices or through the network of modern contact centres that we are putting in place.
	In the Jobcentre Plus National Customer Satisfaction Survey 2003, a copy of which is available in the Library, we asked our customers if this standard still met their expectations. Of those respondents who normally contacted us by telephone 69 per cent. felt that it was reasonable to wait at least 30 seconds and nearly two thirds of those people considered it reasonable to wait over a minute.
	However, although the length of time taken is considered reasonable by many of our customers we endeavour to answer all incoming calls as quickly as possible for the people who need our services.
	You asked for our most recent figures for performance in two separate areas. The performance of the 30 second response time is measured in two ways: through a Mystery Shopping Programme which measures performance against a range of service standards as defined in our Customer Service Target; and by Management Information from our contact centre network. I have provided that information. However, our telephony systems do not measure the percentage of time in a working day when lines are not engaged and I am therefore unable to respond to that part of your question.
	Mystery Shopping Programme
	We are moving towards an organisational structure in which many of our services will be delivered by telephone—but at the moment nearly 50 per cent. of the local office network has still to be converted to the integrated Jobcentre Plus service delivery model. Many of those offices do not have centralised switchboard systems, nor dedicated telephony teams. We therefore use the Mystery Shopping programme to undertake telephone calls on a sampled basis at a level that will provide us with robust information for the network as a whole.
	The programme is undertaken by an external contractor (NOP Mystery Shopping). It includes three telephone calls to each office per quarter. The information for the first three quarters of this year (April—December) show:
	
		
			 Time taken to answer Percentage 
		
		
			 0 to 30 seconds 79.3 
			 31 to50 seconds 5.6 
			 51 to 60 seconds 2.5 
			 Total calls made 10,105 
		
	
	Of the remaining calls, they were either not completed as we instruct NOP to abandon calls not answered within one minute or a message/answer phone service cut in.
	Contact Centres
	Our network of contact centres deliver services by telephone to those customers making new/repeat claims to benefit or those wanting to find jobs. For each type of service the contact centres have a more demanding internal standard of answering 80 per cent. of all calls within 20 seconds from the time that a call is routed to an agent. There is also a target to answer 95 per cent. of calls.
	The contact centres handling new/repeat claims answered on average 80 per cent. of calls within 20 seconds, with 91.1 per cent. of calls being answered.
	The contact centres helping customers to find jobs answered 91 per cent. of calls within 20 seconds, with 97.5 per cent. of all calls being answered.
	I hope this information is helpful.

New Deal

David Wilshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research his Department has conducted into the average cost per additional job created (a) under the new deal programmes and (b) in employment zones; whether the research produced figures broken down by region; and whether research investigated (i) the number who would have found employment notwithstanding the new deal and (ii) the effect on (A) tax receipts and (B) unemployment benefits from the jobs created.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 25 January 2005
	Research has been conducted on the macro-economic effect of the new deal for young people (NDYP) and the new deal for lone parents (NDLP). Information is not available on costs per additional job by region. A full cost-benefit analysis, including the effect on tax benefits and unemployment benefits, is not available.
	New Deal for Young People
	The National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR) undertook a detailed macro-economic analysis of NDYP until March 2000 1 . NIESR calculated the net budgetary cost per job was £7,000 per annum (excluding the Environmental Task Force and Voluntary Sector options) or £4,000 per annum when these two options are included. The National Audit Office report 2 suggested that the average annual cost per additional person of any age in employment through the new deal for young people is within the range of £5,000-£8,000.
	NIESR calculated that by March 2000, NDYP had reduced unemployment among all age groups by 35,000. They also estimated that NDYP raised youth employment by 15,000 (excluding those on the Environmental Task Force and Voluntary Sector options). Adding these two options raised this to 30,000 more young people in work due to NDYP.
	New Deal for Lone Parents
	Evidence on the cost-effectiveness of the new deal for lone parents (NDLP) comes from the provisional cost-benefit analysis of NDLP carried out by departmental economists. The findings were published in the NDLP Evaluation Synthesis Report in June 2003 3 . The unit costs of NDLP in 2000–01 were £400 per participant. The gross cost per job was around £860.
	A calculation of cost-effectiveness takes into account the additional earnings from movements into work and the costs of running the programme in 2000–01. NDLP provided a significant net economic gain to society, with a net benefit of over £4,400 from each additional job, and a total net gain of £115 million.
	The net impact on public finance was also calculated. This included the cost of in-work credits and benefits such as the working families' tax credit. NDLP in 2001–02 resulted in a net exchequer saving of £1,600 for each additional job entry—a total saving of £41.5 million.
	Employment Zones
	The gross cost per job of Employment Zones has been estimated by the Department to be £3,115 per job without benefit payments and £6,027 per job with benefit payments.
	There has been no macro-economic analysis undertaken of the net impact of Employment Zones on the 25 plus client group. Research undertaken by the National Centre for Social Research 4 estimated the comparative outcomes of Employment Zones and new deal 25 plus.
	Other New Deals
	Information is not available on new deal 25 Plus, new deal for disabled or new deal for partners. Information is not available on those who would have found employment without the new deal.
	1 New Deal for Young People: Implications for Employment and the Public Finances, NIESR, December 2000 (Ref: ESR62).
	2 New Deal for Young People, National Audit Office, February 2002. 3 Evaluation of the New Deal for Lone Parents: Early lessons from the Phase One Prototype—Synthesis Report. Research Report 108, June 2003. 4 National Centre for Social Research (2003): Evaluation of Employment Zones: Report on a Cohort Survey of Long Term Unemployed People in the Zones and a Matched Set of Comparison Areas.

New Deal

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Burnley have found work through the new deal programmes since 1997.

Jane Kennedy: The information is in the table.
	
		New deal in Burnley
		
			 Programme Number of individuals into work 
		
		
			 New Deal for Young People 740 
			 New Deal 25 plus 240 
			 New Deal for Lone Parents 690 
			 New Deal 50 plus 140 
			 Total 1,810 
		
	
	Notes:
	1.All data is to September 2004 except New Deal 50 plus which is to March 2003.
	2.New Deal 50 plus figures are for the number of people who started work with the help of the New Deal 50 plus employment credit. Information is not available at constituency level for New Deal 50 plus after March 2003.
	3.Data is not available at constituency level for the New Deal for Disabled People and New Deal for Partners programmes.
	4.All figures have been rounded to the nearest ten.
	Source:
	DWP Information and Analysis Directorate

New Deal

Graham Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) young people, (b) single mothers, (c) disabled people, (d) people aged over 50 years and (e) others have benefited from the new deal in the Nottingham, North constituency since its inception.

Jane Kennedy: The information is in the table.
	
		Number of people benefiting from the new deal in Nottingham, North
		
			  Individual starts Individuals into work 
		
		
			 Total 6,350 3,200 
			 Young people 3,100 1,620 
			 Single mothers 1,710 850 
			 Disabled people 750 380 
			 People aged 50 plus 640 300 
		
	
	Notes:
	1.People can be included in more than one of these categories.
	2.Young people figures relate to the number of clients who have started, and gained a job through the new deal for young people programme and people aged 24 and under on the new deal for lone parents programme.
	3.Single mothers figures relate to the number of female lone parents who have started, and gained a job through the new deal for lone parents programme.
	4.Disabled people figures relate to the number of people with disabilities who have started, and gained a job through the new deal for young people; new deal 25 plus; New deal for lone parents and new deal 50 plus programmes. Information on the new deal for disabled people is not available at constituency level.
	5.The people aged 50 plus figures relate to the number of people aged 50 and over who have started, and gained a job through the new deal 50 plus; new deal 25 plus, and new deal for lone parents programmes.
	6.New deal for partners information is not available at constituency level.
	7.New deal 50 plus data is to March 2003. New deal 50 plus information is not available at constituency level after March 2003.
	8.New deal for young people, new deal 25 plus and new deal for lone parents data is to September 2004.
	9.New deal for young people started in January 1998; New deal 25 plus started in July 1998; New deal for lone parents started in October 1998; New deal 50 plus started in April 2000.
	10.All figures have been rounded to the nearest ten.
	11.Totals figures include people who have been helped through the new deal in Nottingham, North but who are not included in the individual categories.
	Source:
	DWP Information and Analysis Directorate

New Deal

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have started each of the new deal for employment programmes in (a) North East Lincolnshire and (b) North Lincolnshire; and how many have entered work.

Jane Kennedy: The available information is in the table.
	
		New Deal in North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire
		
			  New Deal for Young People New Deal 25 plus New Deal for Lone Parents New Deal 50 plus 
			  Individual starts Individuals into work Individual starts Individuals into work Individual starts Individuals into work Individuals into work 
		
		
			 North East Lincolnshire 4,340 2,920 2,100 870 2,470 1,430 640 
			 North Lincolnshire 2,540 1,660 850 350 1,520 750 300 
			 Total 6,880 4,570 2,940 1,220 3,990 2,180 940 
		
	
	Notes:
	1.Figures relate to the local authority districts of North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire.
	2.New Deal for Young People information is from January 1998 to September 2004.
	3.New Deal 25 plus information is from July 1998 to September 2004.
	4.New Deal for Lone Parents information is from October 1998 to September 2004.
	5.New Deal 50 plus information relates to the number of New Deal 50 plus employment credit starts up to the end of March 2003. New Deal 50 plus information is not available at local authority level after March 2003.
	6.New Deal for Disabled People and New Deal for Partners information is not available at local authority level.
	7.All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 and components may not sum to totals.
	Source:
	DWP Information and Analysis Directorate

New Deal

Ross Cranston: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals have been on the New Deal in Dudley, North constituency in each year since 1998; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: The available information is in the following table.
	
		New deal in Dudley, North
		
			  New deal for young people New deal 25 plus New deal for lone parents New deal 50 
			  Individual starts Individuals into work Individual starts Individuals into work Individual starts Individuals into work plus—employment Credit Starts 
		
		
			 Pre October 1998 200 70 20 0 0 0 0 
			 October 1998 to September 1999 210 150 130 40 100 60 0 
			 October 1999 to September 2000 230 220 140 70 120 110 50 
			 October 2000 to September 2001 250 190 380 80 110 70 90 
			 October 2001 to September 2002 240 160 320 100 150 80 70 
			 October 2002 to September 2003 350 180 340 100 190 80 40 
			 October 2003 to September 2004 400 150 250 90 260 100  
			 Total 1,860 1,120 1,560 470 920 490 250 
		
	
	Notes:
	1.New Deal for Young People data is from January 1998 to September 2004.
	2.New Deal 25 plus data is from July 1998 to September 2004.
	3.New Deal for Lone Parents data is from October 1998 to September 2004.
	4.New Deal 50 plus data is from April 2000 to March 2003. New Deal 50 plus data is not available at constituency level after March 2003 when the New Deal 50 plus Employment Credit ended.
	5.Information is not available at constituency level for New Deal for Disabled People and New Deal for Partners.
	6.Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and components may not sum to totals.
	Source:
	DWP Information Directorate

Occupational Pension Schemes

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether employers who run defined benefit occupational pension schemes are entitled to make unilateral changes to accrual rates in respect of future service; and what rights scheme members have to object in such circumstances.

Malcolm Wicks: Employers running occupational pension schemes are subject to their individual scheme rules. Schemes can make unilateral changes to future accrual rates if their scheme rules do not prohibit such changes and the accrual rates continue to meet the minimum requirements set out in the Reference Scheme Test. Unless there are provisions in the scheme rules giving scheme members the right to object, they currently have no right to object.
	The Pensions Act 2004 will place a statutory obligation on employers to consult scheme members before making major changes to future pension arrangements. The consultation on draft regulations will start later this year and we aim to implement this requirement from April 2006.

Poverty (Stoke-on-Trent)

Mark Fisher: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households in poverty there were in Stoke-on-Trent in each year since 1997.

Malcolm Wicks: Poverty is about more than low income; it also impacts on the way people live—their health, housing and the quality of their environment. The sixth annual 'Opportunity for all' report (Cm 6239), published in September 2004, sets out the Government's strategy for tackling poverty and social exclusion and presents information on the indicators used to measure progress against this strategy.
	Specific information regarding low income for the United Kingdom is available in 'Households Below Average Income 1994–95 to 2002–03'. Data are not available below the regional level and are available only as proportions at the regional level. It should be noted that the reporting of year-on-year changes in the regional low-income rates are not reliable.
	All publications listed are available in the Library.

Return to Work

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to help disabled people within the Greater London area return to work; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: Although there is nothing specific to London, there are a number of programmes designed to help disabled people return to work which are available to disabled people within the Greater London area.
	Since 1 October 2004 the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) have applied to all employers, with the exception of the armed forces.
	The ending of the exclusion from the employment provisions of employers with fewer than 15 staff brings into coverage a further one million small employers with seven million further jobs in which 600,000 disabled people already work.
	During 2004 the Department undertook a major campaign to raise awareness of the DDA particularly among small and medium-sized businesses. Around a million businesses were directly mailed information; this was supported by radio advertising, press articles in specialist and trade press and website fact sheets. A free information pack with video is also available and the second presentation of the 'Access All Areas' awards, which congratulates small service providers who have made services more accessible, took place in November 2004.
	Initiatives which seek to enhance the employability of disabled people include the use of Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Advisers who visit employers and advise them on the support and help available in the employment of disabled people and the Job Introduction Scheme (JIS) which aims to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities by offering a weekly grant, currently £75 per week, to employers during the first six weeks of their employment.
	New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) is designed to support people in receipt of disability or health-related benefits in finding and sustaining paid employment. It is delivered through a network of Job Brokers across England, Scotland and Wales who agree with each customer what is the most appropriate route into employment for them and work closely with providers of training and other provision where the customer needs additional help. NDDP Job Brokers were introduced in July 2001 and to September 2004 the programme showed 115,930 registrations with Job Brokers and over 54,000 job entries.
	In addition there are a number of other programmes designed to help disabled people return to work which are available to disabled people within the Greater London area.
	Access to Work is a specialist disability programme which provides practical advice and support to help disabled people enter or stay in paid employment. The support is aimed at overcoming work related obstacles resulting from disability. It does this through a system of grants towards the cost of providing support. Access to Work is open to those who are employed as well as people moving out of unemployment and is a highly effective job retention measure.
	Work Preparation is a highly flexible programme open to benefit recipients (incapacity or unemployment-related benefits) and non-benefit recipients. It is an individually tailored, work-focused programme that enables disabled people to address barriers associated with their disability and prepare for work with the confidence necessary to achieve and sustain their job goals. The vast majority of Work Preparation programmes take the form of short unpaid work placements.
	WORKSTEP was introduced in April 2001 to modernise the former Supported Employment Programme. It provides job support to over 30,000 people in employment and in this financial year up to October 2004 just under 900 clients had progressed into open unsupported work. In 2003–04 it held a budget of £163 million, and it is delivered by over 200 providers, including Remploy, in England, Scotland and Wales. WORKSTEP is managed by Jobcentre Plus and involves a three-way partnership between the employer, the WORKSTEP provider and a disabled person.
	People receiving incapacity benefit can do permitted work and keep benefit in some circumstances. The pre-Budget report announced new national measures for improving permitted work provision including an extension of the initial period of permitted work from 26weeks to 52 weeks in all cases and an expansion of permitted work provisions to people facing the greatest barriers to full-time employment.
	People with the most limiting conditions such as advanced progressive conditions will be covered by a widened version of the permitted work provisions and be able to work for a longer period of time while maintaining their entitlement to benefit. The new measures will improve take-up and provide better support on entry to permitted work through face-to-face meetings with personal advisers including a requirement for clients to consider the prospects of a move into full-time employment, but only where they are able to do so.

Social Fund

Oona King: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of (a) Community Care Grants, (b) Crisis Loans and (c) Budgeting Loans in helping homeless people move from temporary to permanent accommodation.

Malcolm Wicks: There has been no specific study on the effectiveness of the social fund on helping homeless people move from temporary to permanent accommodation. However, we know from more general research that the discretionary social fund is used by people in these circumstances.
	DWP research report 139 The use of the social fund by families with children" contains secondary analysis of the Families and Children study and the Family Resources Survey. This study found that moving home is one of the three main trigger events for social fund loan applications and the main trigger event for lone parents. We can guarantee a Budgeting Loan payment to help people in these circumstances, provided the applicant satisfies the eligibility criteria.
	Community Care Grants (CCGs) are also available to help people with the cost of setting up home. In particular it is available to people leaving institutional care, families under exceptional pressure, and people taking part in a planned programme of resettlement. These can include former rough sleepers, families fleeing domestic violence and ex-prisoners. However, as the CCG scheme is discretionary and cash-limited, there can be no guarantee of payment.
	We believe that the social fund provides valuable support to the poorest and most vulnerable people in society, including those in temporary accommodation, which is why an additional £90 million has been made available to the discretionary fund over the three years 2003–04 to 2005–06. This has allowed the Community Care Grant budget to be increased from £108 million in 2002–03 to £128 million for 2004–05.
	We have recently announced that we intend to abolish the Budgeting Loan 'double debt' rule and reduce the standard repayment rate of 15 per cent. of a customer's benefit to 12 per cent. from April 2006. These changes will make budgeting loans more consistent and easier to understand and access, and will improve the help available to those who are setting up home, in particular many of those who have outstanding social fund debt. To support these changes the Social Fund loans budget will be increased by £210 million over the three years 2006–07 to 2008–09.

Social Fund

Oona King: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on his review of the Social Fund; and when he expects it to be completed.

Malcolm Wicks: The Social Fund plays an important role in the Government's commitment to tackling poverty and social exclusion. It provides support to millions of people on low incomes, including some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
	The Social Fund is continually under review and we have announced a number of improvements. For example, £90 million is being added to the Discretionary Social Fund budget over the three years to 2005–06.
	We have recently announced that we intend to abolish the Budgeting Loan 'double debt' rule and reduce the standard repayment rate of 15 per cent. of a customers benefit to 12 per cent., from April 2006. These changes will make Budgeting Loans more consistent and easier to understand and the Social Fund more effective in assisting those families most likely to experience overindebtedness. To support these changes the Social Fund loans budget will be increased by £210 million over the three years 2006–07 to 2008–09.
	The Government are also looking at ways in which more affordable loans can be made available to people on low incomes, and is seeking to work in partnership with the private and voluntary sectors to find ways of delivering these, while ensuring that the loans enhance the ability of people to manage their finances responsibly.
	We will continue to look at ways in which the Social Fund can be made more effective and contribute to our vision of greater financial inclusion.

Social Fund

Oona King: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Social Fund (a) Community Care Grant, (b) Crisis Loans and (c) Budgeting Loan applications were received in Tower Hamlets in each of the last five years; how many were successful in each case; and what the total expenditure was in each case.

Malcolm Wicks: Social Fund data are held by Social Fund District or Jobcentre Plus District, so data are unavailable at borough level.

Social Fund

Oona King: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Social Fund (a) Community Care Grant, (b) Crisis Loan and (c) Budgeting Loan applications were received in each Government office region in 2003–04; how many were successful in each case; and what the total expenditure was in each case.

Malcolm Wicks: Social Fund data were formerly held at Social Fund District level and are now held at Jobcentre Plus District level. These changes occurred gradually over two years and resulted from a number of boundary changes. Parts of some districts formed parts of one or more Government office regions (GOR) at different times. As such data are not available by GOR.

Social Fund

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  when the regional review of the social fund telephone system will be published;
	(2)  what the average time taken by members of the Milton Keynes social fund team to respond to enquiries in relation to (a) new applications to the social fund and (b) old cases was in the last period for which figures are available;
	(3)  how many staff are employed by the Milton Keynes social fund team;
	(4)  what the performance of the Milton Keynes social fund team against targets set for processing new social fund claims has been in each year since 2001.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 24 January 2005
	The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, David Anderson. He will write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from David Anderson to Mr. Paul Goodman, dated 31 January 2005
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions concerning the regional review of the Social Fund telephone system for the South East region, the average response times to enquiries made in relation to applications to the Social Fund at Milton Keynes, how many staff there are on the team and their performance against targets for processing new claims since 2001. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	It is not our intention to publish details of the review of the Social Fund telephone system as this is an internal review. However, we would be prepared to share local findings with you once they have been finalised and I have asked the District Manager for the Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire district to provide them to you.
	The number of people employed to deliver the Milton Keynes Social Fund service is 39.
	The following tables show performance against Average Actual Clearance Times (AACT) and accuracy targets for the period for which figures are available.
	AACT is the measure for the time taken to process claims and represents the average time taken to clear all claims over the year The time taken is measured from the date the claim is received to the date it is fully processed.
	
		
			  Target Achievement 
		
		
			 April 2002 to March 2003 
			 SF crisis loans 100 per cent. same day 98.2 per cent. 
			 SF budget loans 95 per cent. within 20 days 99.5 per cent. 
			  AACT in 8 days 3.7 days 
			 SF community care grants 95 per cent. within 20 days 96.1 per cent. 
			  AACT in 9 days(7) 7.2 days 
			 SF sure start maternity 95 per cent. 99 per cent. 
			 grants AACT in 5 days 4.4 days 
			 SF funeral payments 90 per cent. in 35 days 98 per cent. 
			  AACT in 16 days 12.5 days 
			 SF accuracy 75 per cent. 76 per cent. 
			 April 2003 to March 2004 
			 SF crisis loans Same day 98 per cent. 
			 SF budget loans AACT in 8 days 8.2 days 
			 SF community care grants AACT in 9 days(7) 8.2 days 
			 SF sure start maternity  grants AACT in 5 days 9.6 days 
			 SF funeral payments AACT in 16 days 18.2 days 
			 SF accuracy 75 per cent. 93.3 per cent. 
			 April 2004 to December 2004 
			 SF crisis loans AACT in 2 days(7) 1.27 days 
			 SF budget loans AACT in 8 days(7) 10.97 days 
			 SF community care grants AACT in 9 days(7) 7.87 days 
			 SF sure start maternity  grants AACT in 5 days(7) 7.63 days 
			 SF funeral payments AACT in 16 days(7) 16.3 days 
			 SF accuracy 75 per cent. (7) 96.7 per cent. 
		
	
	(7)Nationally set Key Management Indicator.
	There is no information available on the average time taken to respond to enquiries made on either new applications to the Social Fund or old cases.
	I hope this is helpful.

Social Fund

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the (a) sickness and absence and (b) turnover rates for Social Fund staff were in the latest period for which figures are available.

Maria Eagle: The information is not available specifically for Social Fund staff.

State Pension

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the merits of a specific old-age pensioner cost of living index for generating annual increases in state retirement pension.

Malcolm Wicks: Pensioner Indices, covering pensioners who receive over three-quarters of their income from state pensions and benefits, are produced as part of the Consumer Price Indices in the Retail Prices Index.
	Over the period 1997 to 2004, the Pensioners Indices for a single pensioner have increased by 10.6 per cent., whereas the Retail Prices Index has increased by 18.5 per cent. and the Retail Prices Index excluding housing costs by 17.6 per cent. over the same period.
	Pensioner Indices are not used to calculate State Pension increases because the Retail Prices Index is a clearer and understandable index that is well trusted and an accepted measure of price increases.
	However, in the recent past this Government has increased the basic State Pension by more than the Retail Prices Index.

State Pension

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many pensioners do not receive the full basic state pension because of their contribution records; and by what aggregate amount their pensions fall short of the basic level;
	(2)  how many pensioners receive some form of a state pension.

Malcolm Wicks: As at 31 March 2004 there were 10.35 million pensioners in receipt of a basic State Pension of whom 6.65 million received a full rate basic State Pension with 3.7 million receiving less than the full amount.
	The aggregated difference for this group is estimated to be £5.3 billion for 2003–04.
	There are some 10.42 million pensioners who receive some form of state pension.
	Notes
	1.Full rate means the standard rate of a Category A or B basic state pension based on a person's own or late spouse's national insurance contributions—£77.45 for a Category A pension in 2003–04.
	2.State pension means Category A, B, C or D state pension or graduated retirement benefit. 3.The estimated aggregated difference figure is a cash estimate for 2003–04. 4.Numbers of state pensioners are based on a 5 per cent. sample and are therefore subject to a degree of sampling variation. 5.Numbers of state pensioners, which are for GB only, are rounded to the nearest 10 thousand, while the estimated aggregated difference is rounded to the nearest 100 million.
	Source
	IAD Information Centre 5 per cent. sample

State Pension

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost in each of the 10 financial years from 2006–07, net of savings in means- tested benefits and additional income tax revenues, of paying from April 2006 a basic state pension to all single people aged 75 years or above at the rate of the guarantee credit for single people regardless of contribution record, and a basic state pension to all couples where one or both partners is aged 75 years or above at the rate of the guarantee credit for couples, with that pension being indexed to earnings in subsequent years, and assuming that the savings credit is abolished for those aged 75 years or above, on the basis of the assumption that additional payments will be made to any groups who would otherwise lose out in order to ensure that there are no cash losers; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The information is not available in the form requested.
	For the main part of the costs I refer the hon. Member for Northavon to the reply I gave to him on 22 June 2004, Official Report, column 1310W.
	It is estimated that in 2006–07 some 300,000 single people or couples may lose net income of around £10 per week.
	1.Figures are in 2004–05 prices and have been estimated using the department's Policy Simulation Model for 2006–07. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 100,000.
	2.Estimates are based on an assessment of changes in entitlement to benefits, and they do not make any allowance for take-up of Income-Related Benefits. The estimate of costs given in the response of 22 June 2004 does allow for differences in take-up.

Tax Credits

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate the Department has made of the number of people in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland and (c) the Moray local authority area seeking (i) financial and (ii) other assistance in JobCentre Plus outlets as a result of Inland Revenue tax credit overpayment recovery procedures since April 2004; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The information requested is not available.

Winter Fuel Payments

John Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will amend qualifying arrangements for winter fuel payments so that those whose 60th birthday falls shortly after the qualifying week but before the onset of winter qualify for the payment.

Malcolm Wicks: We have no current plans to amend the qualifying arrangements for winter fuel payments.

Winter Fuel Payments

Mark Fisher: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people claimed winter fuel allowance in each of the past seven years.

Malcolm Wicks: Information on the number of winter fuel payments made in each year for which figures are available is in the Library.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Carbon Monoxide

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in implementing the Health and Safety Commission and Executive's recommendations of 2000 relating to carbon monoxide and the gas supply industry; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: I have been asked to reply.
	The HSC's fundamental review of the gas safety regime 1999–2000 addressed a wide range of issues, including carbon monoxide poisoning. Of the 49 recommendations made, almost half have been implemented. Action has been taken on the remainder, with the exception of four that are either not yet due or rely on other work being completed. Some of the recommendations were drafted with a continuing obligation and so cannot be deemed as completed.
	In the light of HSC's subsequent strategy Workplace Health and Safety in Great Britain to 2010 and Beyond", published in February 2004 and endorsed by the Government, HSE is seeking to develop new ways of partnering with the relevant stakeholders to secure continuing consumer gas safety through a sensible approach to risk. The Government have decided that HSE should retain its responsibilities for the regulatory regime.

Carbon Sequestration

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the potential for oil-related infrastructure in the North Sea to be used for carbon sequestration purposes; what steps she is taking to encourage such use; and if she will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: holding answer 25 January 2005
	A DTI study, completed in May 2004, looked at the feasibility of CO 2 enhanced oil recovery in the North Sea and published its findings in Implementing a Demonstration of Enhanced Oil Recovery using Carbon Dioxide" (DTI Pub URN 04/1028). This study evaluated the potential for CO 2 injection into our North Sea oil fields for the purposes of carbon sequestration together with Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). Our studies show that there are several operating fields where this can be technically feasible. However the cost of CO 2 captured and delivered to these sites and the capital costs involved are high, and none of these schemes have been shown to be commercially feasible under the current economic conditions.
	We plan to publish a Carbon Abatement Technology Strategy to address the future requirements for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from large-scale sources in the UK and storage in geological structures such as those in the North Sea. This strategy will reconsider the potential for using CO 2 for EOR and eventual sequestration in the North Sea. The strategy is due to be published within the next few weeks.

Companies Entering Administration

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations her Department has received about companies and directors that intentionally make their companies go into administration and start trading again under a similar name.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The changes to administration introduced by the Enterprise Act 2002 have been generally welcomed. The primary objectives of an administration are to seek to rescue the company as a going concern, or to achieve a better result for the creditors as a whole than would be likely if the company were wound up.

Companies Entering Administration

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures are in place to prevent companies and directors running a company in such a way that it is forced to go into administration.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Administration is not necessarily a bad thing; it can result in the survival of a company when it gets into financial difficulty. An administrator is under a duty to report to the Secretary of State on the conduct of directors of companies which enter administration. A director can be disqualified from acting in the management of a company for between two and 15 years if there is evidence to prove that they are unfit to run a company.

Companies Entering Administration

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department takes to ensure that consumers are aware that a company they are dealing with has recently gone into administration.

Gerry Sutcliffe: When a company enters administration the administrator has to advertise his appointment in the Gazette and once in a newspaper that he thinks is most appropriate for ensuring that the appointment comes to the notice of the company's creditors. Details of the appointment are also placed on the company's file at Companies House, which is publicly available information.
	Every invoice, order for goods or services and business letters issued by or on behalf of the company or the administrator must state the name of the administrator and that the affairs, business and property of the company are being managed by him.

Departmental Expenditure

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been spent on entertainment by her Department in each year since 1997, broken down by (a) food, (b) alcohol, (c) staff and (d) accommodation.

Patricia Hewitt: Information on entertainment expenditure broken down as requested is not available. However, the table shows the total expenditure on entertainment by the Department of Trade and Industry in each year between 1998–99 and 2003–04. Information on spend for 1997–98 would be available only at disproportionate cost.
	Most of the Department's entertainment expenditure represents the hosting of stakeholder events both in the UK and overseas. This includes refreshments at meetings, working breakfasts and lunches and official events.
	All expenditure of official entertainment is made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on principles set out in Government accounting.
	
		Total expenditure on entertainment
		
			  £000 
		
		
			 1999–2000 887 
			 2001–01 1,089 
			 2001–02 1,165 
			 2002–03 1,311 
			 2003–04 1,110

Digital Conversion

Jonathan Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support the Government have given to development of the digital tick kitemark indicating digitally compatible products and services amongst manufacturers and retailers.

Mike O'Brien: The digital switchover logo, which brands reliable sources of information about digital switchover, and identifies products and services that meet agreed criteria related to switchover, was created by the Digital Television Project, a partnership between Government, broadcasters, industry, consumer groups and other stakeholders. The development of the logo was the responsibility of the Market Preparation Group, under the Digital Television Action Plan.
	The logo is owned by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The DTI licenses its use by trained retailers in conjunction with a point-of-sale consumer information leaflet. The DTI also licenses manufacturers of digital receivers, recorders, and aerials in accordance with agreed specifications. The DTI owns the licensing scheme, and is providing seedcorn funding to it. We are working with the aerial installation industries to establish a link between licensed use of the switchover logo, and the holding of a new vocational qualification, by means of a registered digital installer scheme.
	The DTI has applied for certification mark status for the logo, to ensure the appropriate legal protection for the logo and its users. The licensing scheme will be supported by compliance monitoring, in line with requirements for having the logo confirmed as a certification mark. The DTI has also informed Trading Standards organisations about the logo and the requirements of the scheme.

Domestic Fuel Oil

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many oil installers and servicers in the UK are registered with Oftec.

Keith Hill: I have been asked to reply.
	5,200 firms are registered.

Business Link

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her Department's total spending on rebranding the Business Link service was; and how much of the total spending was on external consultants.

Patricia Hewitt: This rebranding work was carried out as part of a wider programme of development of the Business Link service. This work cost £67,000 and this amount has been spent with an external specialist branding consultant.

Fuel Poverty

Mark Fisher: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people she estimates are fuel poor in (a) England and (b) Stoke-on-Trent.

Mike O'Brien: For the most recently available fuel poverty figures for England, I would refer my hon. Friend to the response which I gave to the hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce) on 30 November 2004, Official Report, column 78W. This sets out how the fuel poverty figures for England are produced, and gives figures for each Government office region.
	We are unable to provide a breakdown of the number of households in fuel poverty by individual towns

Hydrogen Economy

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the US Administration with regard to movement towards a hydrogen-based economy; and what joint research with the hydrogen economy is being undertaken.

Mike O'Brien: The UK, like the US, participates in various multi-lateral fora dealing with hydrogen energy. These include the US-led International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHE), the International Energy Agency (IEA) Hydrogen Coordination Group and the IEA Hydrogen Implementing Agreement. These provide mechanisms for international collaborative research and development to support the transition to a hydrogen economy.
	Technology has been one of the key themes of the on-going energy dialogue between the US and the UK. There has been a particular focus on hydrogen, leading to a major conference held in London in November last year. At that conference, I announced the opening of a hydrogen scholarship scheme under which up to five British researchers per year will be able to spend time engaged in hydrogen research with US scientists at the Sandia National Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Hydrogen Economy

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research the Government (a) are undertaking and (b) have commissioned on the conversion of (i) oil and (ii) nuclear energy to a hydrogen-based economy.

Mike O'Brien: Last year the DTI commissioned a study to develop a strategic framework for hydrogen energy activities in the UK. This was undertaken by E4tech, Element Energy and Eoin Lees Energy and was completed in December. A report of their analysis has been placed on the DTI's Sustainable Energy Policy Network website. We will be considering the specific recommendations carefully, and will publish these, together with our response, by the end of February 2005.
	The analysis has found that for the UK six hydrogen energy chains could provide cost competitive carbon abatement together with enhanced upstream energy security by 2030. All six chains are for transport applications using fuel cell powered vehicles. The six chains are:
	Biomass to hydrogen
	Renewable electricity to hydrogen
	Nuclear electricity to hydrogen
	Natural gas to hydrogen with carbon capture and storage
	Coal to hydrogen with carbon capture and storage
	Novel hydrogen production routes.

Online Shopping Fraud

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  if the Government will investigate the effectiveness of measures to prevent fraud in online shopping transactions;
	(2)  what powers there are to protect online shoppers from fraud;
	(3)  what steps the Government plans to take to make internet shopping more secure.

Mike O'Brien: The Government work with the police and industry to tackle fraud and other online crime through a number of initiatives. A key factor in dealing with online fraud is prevention and education and the Government take an active role in educating computer users about the risks of fraud committed through the internet. The Home Office website provides advice on avoiding internet fraud and the Home Office has also created, and maintains the 'e-tailing mini site', which forms part of the crime reduction website. The mini site provides information to help both businesses and consumers protect themselves specifically when using the internet.
	The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 protect consumers against payment card fraud including credit cards. The Regulations apply to contracts made at a distance including online ones. The card issuer is required to reimburse consumers the full amount in the event of fraudulent use of the consumer's card.
	In addition, the Consumer Credit Act 1974 also allows consumers to recover the cost of a purchase made by credit card from either the supplier or the credit card provider. This provides additional protection should a consumer be unable to trace the company they were dealing with over the internet. The Banking Code stipulates that consumers' liability for misuse of a card will be limited unless there is evidence that they have acted fraudulently or without reasonable care.
	Through the Department of Trade and Industry's Safe Internet Shopping initiative consumers have access to information on how to shop online safely. Consumers need to be aware of security features on websites and to look for a closed padlock sign when they are asked for personal details. The Consumer Direct website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk also offers advice on internet auctions, online scams and information on a range of consumer-related issues.
	The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 are included in a list of EC Directives, which is part of the Injunctions Directive. The Injunctions Directive requires all member states to have in place arrangements, which will allow certain unlawful actions harmful to consumers to be stopped in good time. The Injunctions Directive allows consumer protection bodies designated by the member states to apply to the courts or competent administrative authorities for orders to require traders to cease conduct that constitutes a breach of any of the consumer protection directives specified. Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002 implements the Injunctions Directive in the UK.
	Co-operation arrangements exist to ensure we can tackle scams that cross borders. In Europe member states have just agreed a Regulation (Consumer Protection Co-operation) to ensure that all consumer protection enforcement agencies are working closely together to combat cross border scams, and 30 OECD countries have all signed up to a co-operation agreement to tackle cross border fraud that affects consumers. The International Consumer Protection Enforcement Network (ICPEN) is a network of consumer protection enforcement agencies in over 30 countries that exists to facilitate cross border co-operation on cross border scams and consumer fraud.
	The Home Office has published, jointly with the Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS) a leaflet on card safety, which includes a section on using cards safely over the internet. The leaflet has been sent to all police forces in England and Wales, and to Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships. It is also available on the Home Office website and the e-tailing mini site, and APACS members (banks) will be sending a version of the leaflet to their cardholders.
	The Home Office is represented on an industry-led Steering Group, which aims to tackle 'Card Not Present' (CNP) fraud (which includes fraud over the internet). We support practical measures being introduced by the industry to increase levels of security for internet transactions. These include Address Verification Services (AVS) and Card Security Code (CSC), along with Mastercard Secure Code and Verified by Visa which require password verification for internet transactions. These initiatives are already making a significant impact on CNP Fraud. The work of the CNP Steering Group has also led to the production of a manual (Spot and Stop Card Fraud Retailer Pack), which aims to educate merchants on the dangers of CNP fraud and the steps which can be taken to prevent it.
	Government are also involved in the development of Project Endurance, an initiative that will launch an internet security public awareness campaign in spring this year. The project is an alliance of public and private sector, which brings together a number of UK Government Departments and law enforcement organisations with a number of high-profile private sector companies. This campaign is to be targeted at micro businesses and consumers, primarily aimed at helping these users gain confidence in using the internet.
	We will continue to monitor and review the effectiveness of these many different initiatives.

Post Office

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the size of the rural network of post offices; and what steps her Department is taking to support the rural post office network.

Gerry Sutcliffe: According to the latest figures held by Post Office Ltd., there are currently 8,102 rural post offices in its network.
	The Government have placed on Post Office Ltd. a formal obligation to maintain the rural post office network and to prevent avoidable closures of rural post offices. The direction remains in force at least until April 2006. The Government have made a major investment to support the rural network. It initially made available £450 million (£150 million a year) for the 3 years 2003–04 to 2005–06 to help the Post Office to maintain the parts of the rural post office network that could not be sustained on a commercial basis. Subject to state aid clearance it will make available a further £300 million to extend this financial support for the rural network until April 2008.

Post Office

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will take steps to amend the requirement to prevent avoidable closures placed on Post Office Ltd. to one that allows greater flexibility and innovation.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I am satisfied that Post Office Ltd. (POL) already has sufficient scope to allow for flexibility and innovation.
	As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the rural post office network, £25 million has already been allocated to POL to run a wide range of innovative pilots. Because this activity is geared towards replacing traditional outlets with some alternative means of access rather than simply closing them, it is permitted within the scope we have set for the company to run the pilots. I have asked POL for a full report on pilot activity by the end of this year. The lessons that will emerge from these trials over the next 12 months will be crucial in informing longer-term decisions about the future shape of the rural post office network.

Post Office

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of Triangle and HI Europe's research findings in 2002 on 'The Impact of Post Office Closures in the Rural Community'.

Gerry Sutcliffe: None. This research carried out by Triangle and HI Europe in 2002 was commissioned by Postwatch.
	As made clear in the statement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to this House on 16 September 2004, Official Report, columns 166–68WS, the Government are making available to Post Office Ltd. (POL), subject to State Aid provisions, a further £300 million between 2006 and 2008 in order to enable well informed decisions to be taken to ensure that post office services to rural communities can be maintained on a more sustainable basis. This additional transitional funding is intended to sustain the rural post office network while work is undertaken on alternative, innovative ways of providing access to postal services.
	POL currently has under way a wide ranging programme of pilot projects to examine novel, effective and efficient ways of delivering postal services. I intend to ask the company for a report on this activity by the end of the year. This report and other relevant information will inform decisions concerning long-term sustainable service delivery to rural communities.

Post Office

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the answer of 30 November 2004, Official Report, column 81W, on post office closures, when she expects Post Office Ltd. toreply to the hon. Member for Gordon; and if she will make a statement on the average time taken by Post Office Ltd. to respond to such parliamentary questions.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Royal Mail and Post Office Ltd. make every effort to issue replies to hon. Members within five working days of receiving our request for information.
	It would appear that due to an administrative error the hon. Member's inquiries of 30 November 2004 were not passed on to David Mills' office at Post Office Ltd. for a direct reply. This has now been done and a response will be sent direct to the hon. Member within the next few days.

Public Information Expenditure

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much her Department spent on providing (a) printed public information and (b) other public information in the last year for which figures are available; and what public information her Department provides, broken down by type of medium in which it is provided.

Patricia Hewitt: The information requested is not held centrally in the form required and could be produced only at disproportionate cost.

Regulation

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her plans to reduce regulation.

Patricia Hewitt: The DTI's plans to reduce regulatory burdens have been set out in the five-year programme, which I launched on 17 November 2004.

Royal Mail

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  what assessment she has made of Royal Mail's performance against its licence targets for the first quarter of 2004–05; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment she has made of the (a) quality of service and (b) recorded performance of Royal Mail in the CH postcode area.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Royal Mail's quality of service both nationally and in the CH postcode area was below the targets in the first quarter of 2004–05, when performance was affected by the massive restructuring taking place at Royal Mail. Improving the quality of postal services throughout the country is an operational matter for the Royal Mail Board. I have been assured by Allan Leighton that this is the Board's top priority and Adam Crozier, Chief Executive of Royal Mail, has taken personal responsibility for this improvement.
	I am very pleased that Royal Mail has improved its performance both nationally and in the CH postcode area since the first quarter of 2004–05. In quarter 2, 92.1 per cent. of 1st class mail was delivered nationally the next day, just below the target of 92.5 per cent. and up from 88.6 per cent. in April. In the CH postcode area, 92.1 per cent. of 1st class mail was also delivered the next day in quarter 2, up from 87.3 per cent. in April.

SME Support

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support is being provided to small and medium-sized enterprises for trade and investment abroad in 2004–05; and how much was provided in 2003–04.

Nigel Griffiths: UK Trade and Investment programme budget for trade development and outward investment activities is £78.6 million. In 2003–04 expenditure under the same heading was £75.9 million. Much of this is directed at the SME sector but precise figures are not available.

Telephone Line Repairs

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions (a) she and (b) her Department has had with (i) the regulator and (ii) British Telecom concerning the time taken to restore faulty telephone lines to vulnerable people.

Mike O'Brien: The Department discussed the provision of priority fault repair services to end-users with a disability with the then regulator the Office of Telecommunications (Oftel) when the framework for Universal Service was drawn up. The provision of priority fault repair services to end-users with a disability is mandatory for all telecoms providers in the UK. The Department consulted BT on the framing of the order and considered the company's comments.

Welsh Language Scheme

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether her Department's Welsh Language Scheme was approved by the Welsh Language Board; and on what date the scheme was implemented.

Patricia Hewitt: My Department's Welsh Language Scheme was approved by the Welsh Language Board on 30 August 2000. Some elements came into operation immediately and the remainder were implemented progressively over the next 12 months.

Wind Farms

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research her Department has (a) commissioned and (b) examined on the impact of wind farms on property values.

Mike O'Brien: holding answer 27 January 2005
	Although the Department has not commissioned research into the impact of wind farms on property value, the Department is aware of the survey on the housing market and the impact of wind farms conducted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS—2004).

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Alcohol Advertising

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will introduce legislation to ban the screening of television advertisements for alcoholic beverages before 9 pm.

Estelle Morris: No. The Government take the issue of binge drinking and alcohol misuse, particularly among young people, very seriously and accepted all the conclusions of the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England. These included asking Ofcom, which has statutory responsibility for the regulation of broadcast advertising, to oversee a review of the rules on alcohol advertising. Ofcom's Code amendments were published on 1 November 2004 and came into effect from 1 January this year. These changes significantly strengthen the rules on broadcast alcohol advertising in many areas, particularly to protect the under-18s.

Civil Servants

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the cost of the enhanced early retirement scheme for civil servants in her Department and its agencies was in each year from 1997–98 to 2003–04 and what the estimated cost will be in each year from 2004–05 to 2007–08; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: The Department has had no early retirement scheme" as such for many years; and has no current plans to institute one. Instead individual cases are considered on their merits under the terms of the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
	The table shows the overall early retirement costs for DCMS and The Royal Parks Agency from 1997–98 to 2007–08. The costs cover payments where employees have been granted enhanced early retirement, approved early retirement, or one-off compensation payments.
	
		£
		
			  DCMS RPA 
		
		
			 1997–98 155,272 72,919 
			 1998–99 72,269 62,032 
			 1999–2000 145,060 46,235 
			 2000–01 42,000 34,494 
			 2001–02 79,608 28,576 
			 2002–03 58,362 20,632 
			 2003–04 92,972 4,419 
			 2004–05 88,000 3,436 
			 2005–06 81,681 72,000 
			 2006–07 49,042 25,000 
			 2007–08 36,776 14,000

Copyright

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with the (a) Football Association, (b) the Premier League and (c) the Football League on the effects of the recent European Court of Justice ruling on copyright.

Richard Caborn: None.
	However, my officials are aware of the European Court of Justice's ruling and are currently exploring the issue with the Football Association, the FA Premier League and Football League to identify any implications it may have on football clubs in England.
	Discussions have also been held with officials at the Scottish Executive and the Department for Trade and Industry who have responsibility for copyright legislation.

Country Shows

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the estimated tax payable underthe Licensing Act 2003 is by organisers of country shows which attract attendance of up to (a) 5,000, (b) 10,000 and (c) 15,000; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: There is no tax payable under the Licensing Act 2003. No provisions of the 2003 Act give rise to additional tax liability for organisers of country shows. Fee levels under the 2003 Act were announced on 21 January. They have been set centrally at a level that we believe will allow the full recovery of the costs of administration, inspection and enforcement associated with the new system. There is an additional fee for premises licence applications for exceptionally large scale events (over 5,000 people) unless certain conditions apply. We met with organisers of agricultural and country shows and, on the basis of those discussions, believe from what we have been told that such events can be organised in such a way as to be unlikely to be affected by the additional fee for large scale events.

Country Shows

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the impact on rural shows of the increased licence fees for special events.

Richard Caborn: We have had useful discussions with organisers of agricultural and country shows and believe from what we have been told that they can be organised in a way so that they are unlikely to be affected by the additional fee for large events. The same should be true for outdoor sports events, flower shows and other popular events that are not in themselves licensable. Where events include licensable activities, we are confident that the events may be organised so that those activities can, in the main, be licensed separately and not therefore trigger the additional fee.

Country Shows

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with (a) organisers of rural shows and (b) rural local authorities on the increased licence fees for special events.

Richard Caborn: The draft fee levels payable under the Licensing Act 2003 were subject to a public consultation which ended on 23 December 2004. Views from parties with an interest in fee levels have been considered, including from organisers of rural shows and rural local authorities. In addition we met the Country Land and Business Association and the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations and concluded, on the basis of those discussions, that they are unlikely to be affected by the additional fees for large-scale events.

Departmental Contracts

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many contracts in her Department have been granted to (a) EDS, (b) Fujitsu and (c) EDS and Fujitsu jointly in each of the last two years; whether they were open to competition; for what they were granted; for how much, and over what period of time; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: My Department has let no contracts to either EDS or Fujitsu in the last two years.

Departmental Policies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Jackie Lawrence: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to Preseli, Pembrokeshire constituency, the effects on Preseli, Pembrokeshire of her Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997.

Richard Caborn: Most of the matters for which the Department is responsible in England have been devolved in Wales to the National Assembly for Wales. However, there are some reserved areas in which the Government has introduced initiatives which affect Preseli Pembrokeshire.
	Through our commitment to public service broadcasting we have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK- made, high quality and original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and S4C, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. The Communications Act 2003 includes provisions to ensure that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future.
	In November 2000 we introduced free television licenses for people aged 75 or over. Information on the number of beneficiaries by constituency is not available. However, according to Department for Work and Pensions records, the number of households in Preseli Pembrokeshire with at least one person aged 75 or over claiming the winter fuel payment in 2003–04 was 4,835.
	We have changed the licensing laws to allow people to hold and attend commercial dances on Sunday, to make it easier for restaurants to open an hour later, and to relax the alcohol licensing hours from 11 pm on New Year's Eve to 11 am on New Year's Day in all future years; and we have given the police greater powers to take action against under-age drinking and disorderly and noisy licensed premises. The Licensing Act 2003, when fully implemented, will introduce a streamlined, consistent and fair licensing regime for the provision of alcohol, public entertainment and late night refreshment It will provide greater choice for consumers, bring regeneration and increased employment opportunities and protect local residents whose lives have been blighted by disturbance and antisocial behaviour.
	The Licensing Act 2003 (Commencement) Order 2003 repealed those parts of the Licensing Act 1964 which allowed the local government electorate in the counties and county boroughs of Wales to requisition polls to decide whether licensed premises should be allowed to open on Sundays. This has removed the uncertainty which businesses in Wales, including those in Preseli Pembrokeshire, faced, allowing them to exercise long-term planning. It also removes a costly administrative burden on local authorities and an artificial difference in licensing controls between Wales and England, which prevented businesses and customers exercising freedom of choice.
	The Gambling Bill will, when implemented, transfer responsibility for licensing gambling premises to local authorities. Local people and businesses will be able to make representations about applications for licences and local authorities will be able to decide not to issue licences for casino premises. These changes will give local communities, including those in Preseli Pembrokeshire, a greater say in the regulation of gambling in their area.
	No statistics are available for international visits or expenditure by constituency. However, VisitBritain's successful marketing activities in promoting Britain abroad as an attractive tourist destination benefit all parts of the country, including Preseli Pembrokeshire.
	Information from the National Lottery distributors indicates that since 2 May 1997 Preseli Pembrokeshire has benefited from over 430 awards totalling over £17.8 million. Of these, 63 awards worth over £3.7 million were made by the New Opportunities Fund which was established by the Government in 1999. The New Opportunities Fund merged with the Community Fund in June 2004 to form the Big Lottery Fund.

Digital Conversion

Jonathan Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether the statement in the recent report by the Ofcom Consumer Panel that, though financial barriers to digital conversion exist, they are of secondary importance, represents Government policy.

Estelle Morris: The independent Ofcom Consumer Panel report published in November gave views on what help may be necessary to ensure the interests of the most vulnerable consumers are protected. We are considering the recommendations in the Panel's report and will be responding in due course.

European Audiovisual Observatory

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on her Department's policy towards European Community participation in the European Audiovisual Observatory; what activities the Observatory undertakes; and at what cost.

Richard Caborn: The Department welcomes and supports European Community participation in the European Audiovisual Observatory. The aim of the Observatory is to improve the transfer, and promote transparency of information in the audiovisual industry in Europe. The Observatory analyses and distributes a wide range of statistics, as well as data on economic, legal and financial matters concerning the film, TV, DVD/video and new media industries in the organisation's member countries. The European Audiovisual Observatory Budget for 2005 totals EUR 2,311,000.

Football Stadiums

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will meet representatives of the Stand Up Sit Down campaign to discuss standing at football matches; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: The Government have always made their position on standing at football matches very clear—specifically that the grounds of the clubs in the top two divisions of football should remain all-seated.
	While the Department has no plans at present to meet representatives from the Stand Up Sit Down campaign, the Football Licensing Authority (FLA), our advisers on safety at football grounds, met them on 20 January 2005 to discuss their proposals.

Free Television Licences

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many households in Warrington, South are in receipt of free television licences.

Estelle Morris: TV Licensing, which administers free television licences for people aged 75 or over as agents for the BBC, are not able to provide geographical breakdowns of the number of free licences issued. However, the number of households with at least one person aged 75 or over claiming the winter fuel payment in the Warrington, South constituency in 2003–04 was 4,850, according to Department for Work and Pensions records.

Historic Sites (Babylon)

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what reports the Government have received on damage done to historic sites in Babylon; and if she will make a statement.

Tessa Jowell: I have studied the report prepared by John Curtis of the British Museum on the damage caused to the site of Babylon. In addition to that report, my officials have kept closely in touch with Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials on matters relating to the protection of Iraq's heritage.
	I have also offered to help meet the cost of three interns coming to the UK from the Iraqi Ministry of Culture to learn the skills that will be necessary for the future management of the Babylon site and have confirmed this in my recent discussion with Mr. Muffeed Al Jazairi, the Iraqi Minister of Culture. The UK also remains committed to the terms of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546, which stressed that all parties need to respect and protect Iraq's archaeological, historical, cultural and religious heritage.

Liquor Licensing

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the net costs to local authorities of administering liquor licensing under the Licensing Act 2003.

Richard Caborn: Fee levels under the Licensing Act 2003 were announced on Friday 21 January. They will be set centrally at a level that we believe will allow the full recovery of the costs of administration, inspection and enforcement associated with the new system. Therefore, we anticipate that there will be no net costs for local authorities. However, we will monitor the situation and establish an independent review of the fees and costs once the new system is in operation.

Liquor Licensing

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with (a) local authorities and (b) the alcohol industry regarding the proposed annual fees for liquor licensing.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 24 January 2005
	My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, and I have met the Local Government Association, Association of London Government, Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services and individual local authorities to discuss the fee levels to be made under the Licensing Act 2003. We have had no formal discussions with the alcohol industry about the fee levels. The proposed fees were subject to a public consultation between 4 November and 23 December 2004 to which we received 124 responses from industry and their representatives. These responses were fully considered before decisions on the fees were made. The fee levels were announced by the Secretary of State on 21 January and the relevant regulations were laid before Parliament on 20 January.

London Olympic Bid

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many times since May 2003 (a) she and (b) Ministers from her Department have visited (i) Newham, (ii) Tower Hamlets, (iii)Hackney and (iv) Waltham Forest in connection with the 2012 Olympic bid.

Richard Caborn: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have visited Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Waltham Forest on five separate occasions since May 2003 in relation to London's 2012 Olympic bid. The Department and London 2012 are in regular contact with the representatives of all London boroughs—in particular the Olympic boroughs of Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Greenwich.

National Lottery

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what guidelines she gives to the National Lottery board about the criteria for making grants; and if she will make a statement.

Estelle Morris: Lottery distributors are, and are intended to be, independent of Government, but they are obliged to take account of policy and financial directions issued to them by the Secretary of State, when making funding decisions. These directions set out the framework for the wider aims of lottery funding. Copies of the policy directions have been deposited in the Library of the House.

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on how many occasions between 31 March 2003 and 31 March 2004 departmental special advisers travelled (a) domestically and (b) abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost.

Richard Caborn: Between 31 March 2003 and 31 March 2004, total domestic travel and subsistence claims by DCMS special advisers came to £1,156.93. No foreign travel was undertaken during this period. The number of occasions and places visited are not held in an accessible form. All travel by special advisers is undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code.

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on how many occasions between 31 March 2002 and 31 March 2003 her special advisers travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost.

Richard Caborn: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 17 July 2003, Official Report, column 566.

Sports and Community Clubs

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received from the Central Council of Physical Recreation and other bodies about the proposed levels of licensing fees for sports and community clubs.

Richard Caborn: The Department received representations from a number of sports bodies, including the Central Council of Physical Recreation, in response to its consultation on draft fees for the new licensing regime. Their views were considered along with representations we received from local authorities and other bodies, as well as individuals. The fees were laid in Parliament on 20 January and copies are in the House Libraries. Further correspondence was received from sports-related bodies when the consultation period ended.

Sports Funding

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much central Government funding has been allocated to sport in each year since 1994.

Richard Caborn: Figures for central Government funding for sport are shown in the tables.
	Figures shown are outturn, except those for 2004–05, which are plans.
	
		£ million
		
			  1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 
		
		
			 Great Britain Sports Council(8) 49.357 49.250 27.679 — — — 
			 English Sports Council(8) — — 15.679 33.730 33.290 34.150 
			 UK Sports Council(8) — — 4.000 11.800 11.600 12.600 
			 Football Licensing Authority 0.870 0.896 0.896 0.896 0.792 0.920 
			 Sportsmatch 3.300 3.700 3.200 3.200 3.200 3.370 
			 Sports Aid Foundation 0.020 — — — — — 
			 Children's Play — — 0.375 0.400 0.400 0.484 
			 British Chess Federation(9) — — 0.049 0.049 0.049 0.046 
			 Other sport support — 0.100 — 0.050 0.030 0.020 
			 Commonwealth Games Ceremonies — — — — — — 
			 Step into Sport — — — — — — 
			 Lee Valley Regional Centre (Pickett's Lock) — — — — — — 
			 Capital support for Wembley National Stadium — — — — — — 
			 Space for Sport and the Arts — — — — — — 
			 Total 53.547 53.946 51.878 50.125 49.361 51.590 
		
	
	
		£ million
		
			  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Great Britain Sports Council(8) — — — — — 
			 English Sports Council(8) 34.950 39.730 76.649 44.572 69.570 
			 UK Sports Council(8) 12.750 16.770 16.321 23.175 27.310 
			 Football Licensing Authority 0.940 0.941 0.955 2.128 1.125 
			 Sportsmatch 3.370 3.550 3.675 3.675 3.675 
			 Sports Aid Foundation — — — — — 
			 Children's Play 0.495 0.496 0.498 0.500 0.500 
			 British Chess Federation(9) 0.053 0.050 0.055 0.060 0.060 
			 Other sport support 0.010 — 1.039 0.419 0.940 
			 Commonwealth Games Ceremonies — 2.476 8.301 — — 
			 Step into Sport — — 2.271 3.667 4.000 
			 Lee Valley Regional Centre (Pickett's Lock) — — — 0.188 — 
			 Capital support for Wembley National Stadium — — — — 6.000 
			 Space for Sport and the Arts 0.013 0.579 10.100 40.850 — 
			 Total 52.581 64.592 119.864 119.234 113.180 
		
	
	(8)On 1 January 1997 the UK Sports Council and the English Sports Council replaced the Great Britain Sports Council.
	(9)Until April 1996 funding for the British Chess Federation was provided by the Department for Education and Employment.

Sports Participation

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment has been made by Sport England of the levels of participation in sport by children outside school age.

Richard Caborn: Sport England has not carried out or commissioned any formal research on this age group, however, the following data taken from the Health Survey for England (HSE) 2002 shows the percentage of two to five-year-olds, by age and sex, who participated in a sport and exercise activity on at least one day in the seven days before interview. The survey does not measure activities within school.
	
		Percentage
		
			 Age Male Female 
		
		
			 2 31 36 
			 3 29 44 
			 4 42 45 
			 5 53 50 
		
	
	Source:
	Health Survey for England 2002
	Figures taken from the General Household Survey (GHS) for 2002 show that 72 per cent. of 16 to 19-year-olds participated in at least one sport, game or physical activity, excluding walking, in the four weeks before interview. However, the survey does not distinguish between those in this age group who are in full-time education and those that are not.
	DCMS, in partnership with its NDPBs including Sport England, will shortly be commissioning a new survey to gather information on participation and attendance from individuals, including older children, in private households in England.

Tourism

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on Government support for the tourism industry in the last financial year.

Richard Caborn: Grant in aid from the Department to VisitBritain totalled £45.9 million in 2003–04, of which£35.5 million was allocated to promoting Britain overseas, and £10.4 million to promoting England within Britain.
	In addition, the Greater London Authority received grant in aid of £1.9 million from my Department for the promotion of tourism in 2003–04.
	Regional support for tourism is the responsibility of the nine English Regional Development Agencies, which together allocated a total of £58.9 million for that purpose in 2003–04 from their central Government funding.

Tourism

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people are employed in the tourism sector.

Richard Caborn: As at June 2003 there were 2.2 million people working in the tourism-related industries in Great Britain. Tourism employment estimates are regularly published in the National Statistics series 'Labour Market Trends'.

Tourism

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of gross domestic product was accounted for by the tourism industry in the last year for which figures are available; and what the change in percentage of gross domestic product has been in each of the last 10 years.

Richard Caborn: The available data for tourism's contribution to total United Kingdom gross value added (GVA) are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Tourism GVA as a percentage of UK GVA 
		
		
			 2000 3.8 
			 2001 3.6 
			 2002 3.5 
			 2003 3.4 
		
	
	Industry-specific data are available only for GVA, not GDP. GDP differs from GVA in that subsidies on products are subtracted and taxes are added to yield estimates of GDP, but these flows are estimated at the whole economy level only.
	These figures are sourced from the 'UK Tourism Satellite Account—First Steps Project' publication, which was completed in September 2004. The project assessed the size of the tourism industry as at 2000 and produced forward estimates of key headline indicators, based on the available data, up to 2003.

Tourism

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture,Media and Sport what the rate of productivity in the tourism industry was in (a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04.

Richard Caborn: The rates of productivity for the tourism industry in 2001 and 2002 are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Output per worker  (Percentage change on previous year) 
		
		
			 2001 2.2 
			 2002 3.9 
		
	
	Data is sourced from the Annual Business Inquiry, which uses calendar, rather than financial, years. Provisional data for 2003 was released on 16 December 2004 and will be used to update the tourism productivity figures in February.

Tourism

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many (a) overseas tourists and (b) domestic tourists visited London in (i) 2003 and (ii)2004.

Richard Caborn: The number of visits by (a) overseas tourists and (b) domestic tourists in 2002 and 2003 are shown in the table. Figures for 2004 will be published on 8 April for overseas visitors and in May for domestic visitors.
	
		Million
		
			  2002 2003 
		
		
			 Visits by domestic tourists 16.1 14.3 
			 Visits by overseas tourists 11.6 11.7 
		
	
	Source:
	UK Tourism Survey, International Passenger Survey

TV Licences

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many households in Northern Ireland are estimated to have a television set for which there is no television licence.

Estelle Morris: The BBC have indicated that the data required to produce accurate estimates is not available for the nations and regions. However, as the hon. Member may be aware, the National Audit Office's 2002 report 'The BBC: Collecting the Television Licence Fee' indicated that the estimated evasion rate for Northern Ireland at the end of March 2001 was 17.6 per cent.

Working at Height

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with the (a) Royal Yachting Association and (b) Bristol Mountaineering Council about regulations involving working at heights.

Richard Caborn: The Working at Height regulations are the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), so neither I nor the Secretary of State have conducted any discussions with either the Royal Yachting Association or the British Mountaineering Council. However, I understand that the HSE is exploring the issue and its impact upon the adventure activities sector.

CABINET OFFICE

E-government

Vincent Cable: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 
	(1)  how much was spent on e-government in each year from 2001 to 2004 (a) in total and (b) broken down by Government Department;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the savings made by each Government Department in each year from 2001 to 2004 arising from the introduction of e-government services.

David Miliband: The Cabinet Office does not collect information on individual Departments' spend on e-government. However, in the 2002 Spending Review, the Government committed £6 billion to the development of electronic government over a three year period.
	The Spending Review 2004 (SR04) reported that significant investment in ICT in both central and local government is streamlining the delivery of services to the public, cutting transaction costs and reducing paperwork. Examples of efficiency gains can be found in the Spending Review, copies of which are available in the Library and at:
	http://www.hm-Treasury.gov.uk/spending_review/spend_sr04/report/spend__sr04_repindex.cfm.
	SR04 also indicated that the e-Government Unit will play a key role in accelerating and underpinning the changes necessary for the achievement of departmental efficiency gains through transactional services. The required outcome of this is efficient delivery of high quality public services resulting in a total of £1.3 billion in departmental efficiency gains over a three year period.

Freedom of Information

John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what categories of information are available under Freedom of Information legislation that have not been provided in written parliamentary answers by his office in the last three years.

Alan Milburn: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 24 January 2005, Official Report, column 140W, by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs (Mr. Leslie).

Ministerial Cars

Norman Baker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the average cost of providing a car and driver to enable a Government Minister to carry out official duties was in the last year for which figures are available; and what the average cost was in that year for (a) a Cabinet Minister and (b) a Minister outside the Cabinet.

David Miliband: The responsibility for the provision of ministerial cars and drivers has been delegated under the terms of the Framework Document to the Government Car Despatch Agency. I have asked its chief executive Mr. Nick Matheson to write to the hon. Member. Copies of his letter will be placed in the Library.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Building Regulations

Graham Stringer: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what response he has received from (a) the Better Regulation Task Force and (b) the Small Business Service to (i) his proposed revision of part L of the building regulations and (ii) the proposed revised standard assessment procedure.

Phil Hope: The Government's proposals for revising the Building Regulations Part L were published for consultation last July. The consultation document which included a draft regulatory impact assessment was not referred to the Better Regulation Task Force. It was referred to the Small Business Service, which pointed to the need for the Small Firms Impact Test to be undertaken.
	The Government's Standard Assessment Procedure for the Energy Rating of Dwellings is a method of calculation which is promulgated by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and it is currently under review. It is not a regulatory instrument and has not been referred to the Task Force or the Small Business Service.

Business Rates

Brian Cotter: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1) how his Department reached the assessment in the final regulatory impact assessment on the Local Government Act 2003—Small Business Rate Relief that over 400,000 businesses would benefit from small business rate relief;
	(2)  how many of the hereditaments in England with a rateable value of less than £25,000 are defined as small businesses.

Nick Raynsford: Small Business Rate Relief is applied to qualifying properties with a rateable value under £10,000 while qualifying properties under the thresholds (£15,000 outside Greater London and £21,500 inside Greater London) pay the lower small business rate multiplier.
	The scheme is aimed at businesses occupying a single small property and so is not available to larger businesses with several small hereditaments (e.g. a chain of small shops, a company with many advertising rights).
	About 1,017,000 hereditaments outside London have a rateable value (RV) less than £15,000 and 196,000 hereditaments within Greater London are under £21,500 RV. Because the rating list does not distinguish between those occupied by large companies with many small hereditaments from those occupied by businesses occupying a single hereditament, the Government conducted research in early 2004 on the likely eligibility for the relief. This research indicated that around 350,000 businesses would benefit. A summary of this research is on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website.
	This figure was based on a proposed threshold of £8,000 and was revised when the threshold was set at £10,000. The new estimates indicated that about 430,000 would be eligible for the relief and this was reflected in the consultation paper and RIA as over 400,000".
	As a result of the feedback from the consultation, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister further extended the eligibility for the relief by allowing applicants to discount additional properties with a rateable value below £2,200. We estimate that this will further increase the eligibility for the relief.

Cantaxx

Hilton Dawson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the occasions on which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have communicated with Canatxx Gas Storage Ltd., Canatxx Energy Ventures Ltd. or a company associated with Canatxx (i) by letter, (ii) by e-mail, (iii) by telephone and (iv) in person; and if he will publish the content of such communication on the departmental website.

Yvette Cooper: As of 31 January 2005, we are not aware of any occasions on which Ministers or officials in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have communicated with Canatxx Gas Storage Ltd., Canatxx Energy Ventures Ltd. or any company known to be associated with Canatxx.

Casinos

Andrew Selous: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether casinos will remain within the D2 planning category; and if he will make a statement.

Keith Hill: After the second report of the Joint Scrutiny Committee on the Gambling Bill my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister undertook to review the possibility of a new 'use class' for casinos.
	On 1 November, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport announced that the Government had agreed in principle to require a change of use to a casino to be subject to planning control. Therefore, the Government are minded to change the use classes order but this is subject to further detailed consideration of the outcome of the review and the usual consultation.

Council Housing (Right to Buy)

Edward Davey: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 10 January 2005, Official Report, column 216W, on council house sales, how much of the £3.0248 billion capital receipts generated from right-to-buy sales in 2003–04 was (a) set aside by local authorities and (b) centrally pooled for investment in new social housing.

Keith Hill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not hold information on the value of the proportion of housing capital receipts set aside in 2003–04, and could provide it only at disproportionate cost. Under the set-aside regime, which was in force during the year in question, with-debt authorities were obliged to set aside 75 per cent. of the capital receipt arising from the disposal of a Housing Revenue Account dwelling through Right To Buy against debt. Debt-free authorities did not have to set aside any portion of the receipt. Central pooling of housing capital receipts was not introduced until 1 April 2004.

Council Housing (Right to Buy)

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps the Government has taken to alert council tenants to changes in the Right to Buy regulations.

Keith Hill: Since 1980, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and its predecessors has published information for tenants on the terms of the Right to Buy scheme, in the form of a booklet. This booklet, entitled Your right to buy your home", has been updated regularly to reflect changes to the scheme introduced by successive Governments. It was revised to include the reductions in maximum discounts introduced in March 2003 and reissued at that time, and has since been revised again to reflect the changes to the scheme introduced by the Housing Act 2004. A copy of that latest revision was sent to all local authorities and housing associations in England in advance of 18 January 2005, when most of these changes came into effect. The covering letter encouraged social landlords to distribute the booklet to their secure tenants. It also set out the changes to the Right to Buy rules, and stated that further copies of the new booklet are available from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Free Literature supplier at Wetherby in Yorkshire.

Departmental Expenditure

George Osborne: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the cost of travel within the UK for the Department was in each year since 1997; and how much of this was spent on (a) hire cars, (b) helicopter hire, (c) hotel accommodation and (d) subsistence.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was created following the machinery of Government changes on 29 May 2002. The information held centrally shows that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister central total spend on UK travel is as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2002–03 3.51 
			 2003–04 3.88 
		
	
	Within this amount nothing was spent on helicopter costs and the following table shows what was spent for car hire charges:
	
		
			 Car hire £ million 
		
		
			 2002–03 0.394 
			 2003–04 0.547 
		
	
	Details of hotel accommodation and subsistence costs could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	All staff travel complied with the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code, and all ministerial travel is conducted in line with the requirements of the Ministerial Code.

Departmental Policies (Clwyd, South)

Martyn Jones: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Clwyd, South constituency, the effects on Clwyd, South of his Office's policies and actions since 2 May 1997.

Yvette Cooper: Along with other Government Departments, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is committed to improving the lives of people across the whole of the United Kingdom, including North Wales.
	However, the services for which the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is directly responsible in England are mostly devolved, and therefore a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government.
	The Neighbourhood Statistics Service provides a wide range of statistical information at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 2001 Census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at http://neighbourhood.statistics. gov.uk./.

Disabled Facilities Grant

Mike Hancock: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister for what reasons he is consulting on the future of the disabled facilities grant; and if he will make a statement.

Keith Hill: In response to a Parliamentary Question in the Other Place on 5 January 2004, Official Report, House of Lords, column 1, my right hon. Friend the Noble Lord Rooker announced a review of the Disabled Facilities Grant Programme.
	This review is now under way. Its terms of reference are to review the operation and outcomes of the Disabled Facilities Grant Programme and to make proposals to improve its efficiency and fairness. This will include a review of the DFG means test.
	The Review Group will report to Ministers in May 2005.

Domestic Fuel Tanks

Hugo Swire: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will require up-to-date information on the condition of fuel tanks to be included in the home condition inspection process.

Phil Hope: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's proposals for home information packs, will usually include a home condition report prepared by a qualified home inspector. We intend that home inspectors should be required to make a visual inspection of fuel tanks and to report on any damage that is observed.

Domestic Fuel Tanks

Hugo Swire: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what planning requirements he places upon householders for bunding for domestic oil tanks.

Phil Hope: There are no planning requirements for bunding of domestic oil tanks. However, since 1 April 2002 pollution risks from domestic oil tanks have been addressed in the Building Regulations.

Freedom of Information

Julian Lewis: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many departmental files have been destroyed in each of the past five years.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was created in May 2002. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister also provides a records management service to the Department for Transport. Actual numbers of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's files destroyed each year prior to 2004 could be provided only at disproportionate cost but an informed estimate for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Department for Transport combined is as follows.
	2002—23,500; 2003—20,800; 2004 (to 6 December) 53,252. A further 23,400 files are awaiting destruction.
	Files continue to be destroyed in accordance with well established procedures. Files which are not viewed as having permanent historical value are marked out for destruction after a specified period. At the end of this period files are destroyed by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's contractors, once confirmation has been received that there is no business reason for, or historical value in, retaining them. In 2002 and 2003 a backlog of files awaiting destruction developed due to machinery of Government changes and the closure of the Hayes Records Repository. The higher figure for files destroyed in 2004 reflects work to clear that backlog, although this still stands at 23,400 files.

Fuel Prices

Roger Casale: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how he intends that the standard assessment procedure rating system shall adapt to changes in the relative prices of different fuels.

Phil Hope: The fuel prices used in the Standard Assessment Procedure are reviewed at intervals of between three and five years. When a review is made the price of each fuel is averaged over the preceding three-year period in order to smooth out short-term fluctuations. The intention is for Standard Assessment Procedure ratings to reflect trends in the relative prices of different fuels, rather than day-day variations, so as to provide a stable system.

Government Office for London

Mark Field: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the running costs of the Government Office for London have been in each year since 1999–2000; and what the forecast is for 2005.

Yvette Cooper: The running costs of the Government Office for London since 1999–2000 are as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1999–2000 (10)16.0 
			 2000–01 (10)l3.2 
			 2001–02 (10)l3.2 
			 2002–03 (10)14.1 
			 2003–04 (10)16.7 
			 2004–05 (11)18.7 
			 2005–06 (12)17.3 
		
	
	(10)These are unadjusted actual expenditure figures.
	(11)Projected forecast for the year as at January 2005.
	(12)Notified budget.

Government Office for London

Mark Field: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many staff were employed by the Government Office for London in each year since 1999–2000; and how many are forecast to be employed at the end of 2004–05.

Yvette Cooper: The Government Office for London staffing figures 1 from 1999–2000 are in the table.
	
		
			 As at April: Number 
		
		
			 2001 240 
			 2002 260 
			 2003 288 
			 2004 325 
			 2005 (14)325 
		
	
	The Government Office for London carries out work on behalf of 10 Government Departments.
	1 GOL staffing figures are calculated as those staff (in staff units, not FTEs) working in GOL on GOL business; figures do not include those seconded into GOL who are paid for by their own employer.
	2 This is an estimate. GOL staffing may change in 2005, but it is difficult to predict accurately as decisions on future workstreams for Government Offices have yet to be made by central Departments.

Government Office for London

Mark Field: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much Government money was distributed by the Government Office for London in each year since 1999–2000; and what the forecast sum to be distributed in 2004–05 is.

Yvette Cooper: The Government Office for London (GOL) Programme Expenditure is tabled as follows 1 :
	1 GOL manages over 40 programmes on behalf of nine Whitehall Departments.
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1999–2000 2,202 
			 2000–01 1,605 
			 2001–02 2,094 
			 2002–03 2,530 
			 2003–04 2,724 
			 2004–05 (13)3,283 
		
	
	(13)Current allocation.

High Hedges

Greg Pope: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to bring forward regulations to bring into force sections of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 dealing with high hedges.

John Maples: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to (a) publish and (b) implement regulations under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 to allow authorities to deal with complaints about high hedges.

Phil Hope: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends to issue guidance for local authorities at the same time as the regulations to bring part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 into force are laid before Parliament. We expect the complaints system to be fully operational early this year.

Housing

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans his Department has to build affordable homes for key workers in Coventry, South constituency.

Keith Hill: The Key Worker Living programme is focused on helping key workers in London, the East and the South East of England regions with funding coming from those regions allocations. In 2003, the West Midlands Regional Housing Board did not identify the provision of affordable homes for key workers as a sufficient priority to specifically allocate resources to key worker schemes in 2004–05 or 2005–06. It is however open to them to make recommendations for helping key workers in their region through the ADP in 2006–07 and 2007–08.
	With regard to the new First Time Buyer Initiative announced by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister as part of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's five year plan, there are no sites currently identified to build homes under the scheme in Coventry. English Partnerships (EP) is leading on the delivery of 15,000 homes, which at the moment are focussed on the areas of greatest need, London and the South East, where its portfolio is concentrated. However we expect Regional Housing Boards to work closely with EP to identify future housing priorities and we encourage other landowners, such as local authorities, to use this model to address issues of housing affordability in their area.

Housing

Colin Burgon: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress has been made with each of the Pathfinder private finance initiative housing schemes.

Keith Hill: The London borough of Islington and Manchester city council signed contracts for Pathfinder Housing Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes in March 2003. Reading borough council signed a contract for its housing PFI scheme in March 2004. Refurbishment work has started on all three schemes with work on the first homes being completed.
	Leeds city council, the London borough of Newham, North East Derbyshire district council and Sandwell metropolitan borough council have appointed Preferred Bidders. These four and the London borough of Camden are in final negotiations with bidders and are expected to sign shortly.

Housing

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average (a) house price and (b) first-time buyer property purchase price was in each local billing authority in England in each year for which figures are available.

Keith Hill: Estimates of average house prices at local authority level are only available back to 1996 and are based on Land Registry data. The figures for 1996 to 2003 are available from the Housing Statistics section on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's internet site.
	The web link for the information is: http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_housing/documents/page/odpm_house_609380.xls [Housing-Housing Statistics-Live Tables-Housing Market-Table no 582].
	Comparable data for first-time buyers is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Identity Cards

Mark Oaten: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he has conducted a study into the impact of the introduction of identity cards on his Department's business.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has been working closely with the Home Office to identify where the ID cards scheme will provide benefits to our business areas. This work is ongoing.

Living Spaces Programme (West Derbyshire)

Patrick McLoughlin: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which projects in the West Derbyshire constituency have (a) applied for funds, (b) been supported with funds and (c) been refused funds from the Living Spaces programme; and how many applications are pending that were submitted before the 21 July 2004 deadline.

Phil Hope: Four projects in the West Derbyshire constituency have applied for funding from the Living Spaces programme. Three projects have been approved and awarded funding. They are:
	Playground Development project in Sheldon, Bakewell which has been awarded a grant of £8,000.
	Pilsey Jubilee Gardens project which has been awarded a grant of £9,168.55
	The Matlock Rampage project which has been awarded a grant of £20,000.
	The fourth group has had its initial application approved and has since worked up its plans with the help of a trained Living Spaces enabler. Once Living Spaces receives a final recommendation from the enabler a decision on funding will be taken. This project is:
	Cromford Playground Improvements project which has applied for a grant of £16,118.00.
	To date, no applications from groups in the West Derbyshire constituency have been refused funds from the Living Spaces programme.

Local Authority Plans

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what local authority plans each tier of local authority in England is required to produce in (a) 2004–05 and (b) 2005–06; and which plans are not compulsory for good or excellent authorities.

Phil Hope: The table explains the plans required from the various tiers of English local authority in 2004–05 and 2005–06. Some plans are required upon cycles agreed with Government Offices or outlined in legislation, so will not be required each year. Some plans are required only in certain areas, depending on local circumstances or service specific performance. By the beginning of 2006–07 there will have been a 75 per cent. reduction in the number of separate plans required from local authorities compared to when research identified 66 plans in 2001.
	
		
			 Plan 2004–05 2005–06 
		
		
			 Air Quality Action Plan (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Districts, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs (Depending on local air quality standards) Districts, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs (Depending on local air quality standards) 
			 Behaviour Support Plan (Department for Education and Skills) Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitan, London Boroughs Not required—Duty repealed through Children Act 2004 
			 Best Value Performance Plan (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) BV Parishes, Districts, Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs BV Parishes, Districts, Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs 
			 Civil Contingencies Plans (Cabinet Office) Not required this year—awaiting commencement of Civil Contingencies Act 2004. Existing Civil Defence Plans maintained by Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs Districts, Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs 
			 Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy (Home Office) Not required this year (three-yearly cycle) Districts and Counties (published at District level), Unitaries, London Boroughs 
			 Home Energy Conservation Report (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Districts, Unitaries, Metropolitan, London Boroughs Districts, Unitaries, Metropolitan, London Boroughs 
			 Housing Strategy (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) Districts, Unitaries, Metropolitan, London Boroughs (depending on cycle agreed with Government Offices) Districts, Unitaries, Metropolitan, London Boroughs (depending on cycle agreed with Government Offices) 
			 Joint Municipal Waste Strategy (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Not required this year—Waste and Emissions Trading Act 2003 requires plans in April 2005. Counties and Districts (where not exempt under criteria set out in regulations) 
			 Library Position Statement (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) (where performance was not excellent) Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs Requirement ceased 
			 Local Development Scheme (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) Districts, Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs Districts, Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs 
			 Local Transport Plan and Bus Strategy (Department for Transport) Not required this year (5-yearly cycle) Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitan Districts (in Passenger Transport Authority areas) 
			 Teenage Pregnancy Strategy (Department for Education and Skills) Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs 
			 Trading Standards Plan (Executive Summary)(Department of Trade and Industry) Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs Requirement ceased 
			 Youth Justice Plan (Youth Justice Board) Not required this year by Youth Justice Board Districts, Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs 
			 Youth Service Plan Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs Counties, Unitaries, Metropolitans, London Boroughs 
		
	
	Good authorities will still be required to produce these plans as appropriate. Subject to the successful completion of the parliamentary procedure for the Local Authorities Plans and Strategies (Disapplication) (England) 2005 Order, excellent authorities will only be required to produce streamlined Best Value Performance Plans (in both years), Civil Contingencies Plans (in 2005–06), Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategies (in 2005–06), Youth Service Plans (2004–05) and Local Development Schemes (in 2004–05). All local planning authorities (districts and unitaries) either have to complete old development plans or prepare new development plan documents over the next three years (districts and counties, and for waste and minerals only, counties). The aforementioned Order will remove the requirement for excellent authorities to publish, produce or prepare (as the case may be) Homelessness Strategies, Home Energy Conservation Reports, Youth Justice Plans, Rights of Way Improvement Plans, Local Transport Plans and Bus Strategies and Air Quality Action Plans.

Local Government Finance

Harry Cohen: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister from which grants, including special grants, the London boroughs of (a) Redbridge and (b) Waltham Forest will receive a funding allocation for 2005–06; what the allocation will be in each case; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: The following table lists formula grant, plus specific revenue grants allocated thus far, to the London boroughs of Redbridge and Waltham Forest in 2005–06. The grants listed are all within Aggregate External Finance (AEF).
	AEF is the total level of support the Government provide to local authorities. This support is normally made up of Revenue Support Grant, police grant, specific grants and the amount distributed from business rates. AEF does not include finance for capital, housing and for other programmes such as the Learning and Skills Council grant for sixth forms.
	
		£ million
		
			  London borough of Redbridge London borough of Waltham Forest 
		
		
			 Formula grant   
			 Revenue Support Grant 134.628 165.519 
			 National Non-Domestic Rates 81.686 73.839 
			
			 Specific grants   
			 Standards Fund 7.706 8.467 
			 Leadership Incentive 0.189 2.295 
			 Excellence in Cities 0.000 3.971 
			 Teachers Pay Reform 4.184 3.633 
			 Transitional Support 0.813 1.292 
			 General Sure Start Grant 1.383 1.471 
			 Adoption Support 0.181 0.270 
			 Safeguarding Children 0.497 0.748 
			 Choice Protects 0.305 0.461 
			 Teenage Pregnancy 0.108 0.131 
			 Change Fund 0.052 0.050 
			 Access and Systems Capacity 2.761 2.582 
			 Children and Adolescent Mental Health 0.467 0.704 
			 Carers Grant 0.918 1.024 
			 Delayed Discharge 0.473 0.442 
			 Human Resources Development Strategy 0.302 0.355 
			 Mental Health Grant 0.637 0.793 
			 National Training Strategy 0.443 0.523 
			 Preserved Rights 1.269 1.214 
			 Residential Allowance 0.991 0.656 
			 Neighbourhood Renewal Fund 0.000 2.553 
			 Supporting People 4.259 7.666 
			 Supporting People Administration 0.152 0.265 
			 Homelessness Strategies 0.100 0.200 
			 Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Admin. 1.493 1.996 
			 Waste Performance and Efficiency 0.197 0.177 
			 Waste Minimisation and Recycling 0.112 0.100 
		
	
	The 2005–06 settlement represents a continued increase in investment in local government, which will allow local authorities to continue to deliver improving services at an affordable cost.

Ministerial Engagements

John Gummer: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the Ministerial engagements (a) out of London and (b) in London that he has cancelled since 1 January 2004.

Yvette Cooper: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Parish Councils

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list each parish council in England.

Nick Raynsford: Volume two of the latest edition of the Municipal Year Book" lists parishes under the relevant county and district council area.

Departmental Parking Spaces

John Mann: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many car parking spaces are provided for those (a) working in and (b) visiting his Department.

Yvette Cooper: The number of car parking spaces provided for those working in and visiting the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's HQ buildings in central London is:
	
		
			  Staff car parking spaces Car parking spaces allocated to visitors 
		
		
			 Ashdown House (14)10 2 
			 Eland House (15)20 2 
			 26 Whitehall 0 0 
			 Portland House 0 0 
		
	
	(14)Ten of these spaces are allocated to disabled staff or staff needing them for medical reasons.
	(15)Eight of these spaces are allocated to disabled staff or staff needing them for medical reasons.
	The number of car parking spaces provided for those working in and visiting the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's HQ buildings outside central London is:
	
		
			  Staff car parking spaces Car parking spaces allocated to visitors 
		
		
			 Hempstead House, Hemel Hempstead 31 0 
			 Fire Experimental Unit, Moreton- in-Marsh 12 10 
			 Fire Service Improvement Team, Marchington 59 0 
		
	
	The Government Offices provide 535 spaces for their staff with three spaces specifically for visitors. Although the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has overall responsibility for the buildings occupied by Government Offices, they carry out functions on behalf of 10 Government Departments.

Regional Government

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the estimated central Government grant to each regional chamber is for 2005–06.

Nick Raynsford: Regional Assembly grant allocations for 2005–06 have yet to be finalised. Subject to receipt of a satisfactory business plan the maximum allocations available for each assembly from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is tabled as follows.
	
		
			 Regional Assembly Provisional allocations 2005–06 
		
		
			 East 2,112,000 
			 East Midlands 2,056,000 
			 North East 1,708,000 
			 North West 2,536,000 
			 South East 3,280,000 
			 South West 2,101,000 
			 West Midlands 2,071,000 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 1,923,000 
			 English Regions Network 200,000 
			 Total 17,987,000

Rent to Mortgage Schemes

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many people qualified for the Rent to Mortgage scheme in the seven years prior to its abolition; and what the average cost of the scheme was per year in that period.

Keith Hill: Secure tenants of local authorities or of registered social landlords who qualify for the Right to Buy scheme also qualify for the Rent to Mortgage scheme. This includes tenants who have spent at least two years as public sector tenants (five years for tenancies commencing on or after 18 January 2005). It does not include assured tenants of registered social landlords who retain the preserved Right to Buy after stock transfer. There are 2.5 million eligible tenants.
	Rent to Mortgage sales, receipts and discounts since 1997 are as follows.
	
		
			   2003–04 prices 
			  Sales Receipts Discount 
		
		
			 1997–98 7 323,000 289,000 
			 1998–99 12 422,000 380,000 
			 1999–2000 23 1,362,000 970,000 
			 2000–01 40 2,080,000 1,105,000 
			 2001–02 87 5,023,000 2,167,000 
			 2002–03 162 11,708,000 3,788,000 
			 2003–04 259 17,600,000 5,159,000 
			 Totals 1997–2004 590 38,529,000 13,858,000 
		
	
	Information on the administrative cost of the Rent to Mortgage scheme is not held centrally, and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Secondments

Alan Simpson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the people working within his Department on secondment from the private sector, broken down by (a) the organisation or industry they came from and (b) the policy responsibilities they have been given.

Yvette Cooper: The table shows all the inward secondments from the private sector as at 19 January 2005 showing their parent" organisation and also the policy area that they are currently working in.
	
		
			 Name Organisation/Industry Policy responsibility 
		
		
			 Derek Collins Accord Plc/Support Service Local government 
			 Melanie Davies Forways Engineering Ltd./  Engineering Sector Fire and rescue service 
			 Henry Hislop Busha Global Ltd./ Neighbourhood renewal 
			 Linda Smith Capacity/Charity? Neighbourhood renewal

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the special advisers who accompanied him on each of his visits abroad between 31 March 2003 and 31 March 2004.

Yvette Cooper: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 14 December 2004, Official Report, column 1050W, by the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Corby (Phil Hope).

Traveller Sites

Robert Key: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much Wiltshire county council has applied for in grant aid in respect of traveller sites in the Salisbury area; and when a decision will be made on the application.

Yvette Cooper: The current bidding round of the Gypsy Sites Refurbishment Grant closes on 28 February 2005. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not yet received an application for funding from Wiltshire county council. We will expect to announce successful bids in April 2005.
	Wiltshire county council has been awarded £655,736 of funding in previous rounds of the Gypsy Sites Refurbishment Grant.

Traveller Sites

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what helpline services the Government provide to travellers; and how much was spent on such services in the last period for which figures are available.

Yvette Cooper: The Government do not provide any helplines specific to gypsies and travellers.

Trees

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  how many trees have been planted in London since 1975;
	(2)  how many trees there were in Greater London in (a) 1975, (b) 1980, (c) 1990, (d) 2000 and (e) the latest year for which figures are available.

Phil Hope: Accurate data is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. All local authorities maintain their own records of privately owned trees that are protected by tree preservation orders and many have inventories of trees for which they are responsible. The last survey of trees in London (Action for London's Trees, 1993) estimated that there were nearly 6,000,000 individual trees and hedges and more than 65,000 woodlands and stands of trees. A survey is currently being carried out to assess the composition of trees in towns and cities in England, including London. The results will be available in summer 2005.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Adoptions

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many adoption cases have been completed in each local authority in each of the last five years.

Margaret Hodge: The information has been placed in the Libraries.

Apprenticeships

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) young apprenticeships and (b) apprenticeships for adults aged 25 years and over are available, broken down by (i)geographic areas and (ii) sectors; and what plans she has to extend them to (A) Stafford and (B) other parts of England.

Stephen Twigg: This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council. Mark Haysom, the Council's Chief Executive, will write to the hon. Member with this information and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.

Building Schools for the Future

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  whether (a) head teachers and (b) other staff will be able to participate in the design of schools being rebuilt as part of Building Schools for the Future;
	(2)  what support is available to head teachers and other staff participating in the design of schools being rebuilt as part of the Building Schools for the Future scheme.

Stephen Twigg: holding answer 27 January 2005
	It is essential to the success of any school building project, including Building Schools for the Future, that those who will use the buildings are involved in the design and building from start to finish. This includes head teachers, other staff, pupils and the local community. The process of design and building is also an excellent educational opportunity for pupils.
	To this end, the Department develops and spreads good practice through projects with expert bodies such as CABE, School Works, Learning through Landscapes and joinedupdesignforschools", guidance such as the exemplar designs, and materials such as the School Works Toolkit and post-occupancy evaluations. For Building Schools for the Future, our delivery body Partnerships for Schools is charged with supporting local government so that all projects are models of good practice.

Child Care

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on what services the funds for the supply side of child care services as set out in the Government's 10-year child care strategy will be spent; and how much will be spent on each.

Margaret Hodge: The baseline for the Sure Start Unit is £866 million in 2004–05, £1,144 million in 2005–06, £1,671 million in 2006–07 and £1,884 million in 2007–08.
	For 2004–06 almost £900 million supply side funding within the General Sure Start Grant has been allocated to local authorities to create, sustain and support child care services. In addition to this, £1,025 million has been allocated to Sure Start Local Programmes and over £34 million to Early Excellence Centres, with all funding supporting the 10-year child care strategy. The details of precise allocations for 2006–07 and 2007–08 are still being finalised.
	In addition, from April 2003 all financial support for the delivery of free nursery education was consolidated with the under fives sub-block of each local authority's Education Formula Spending Share (EFSS)—the main source of education funding. Support for free nursery education in 2003–04 was £2.6 billion.

Child Protection

Vera Baird: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how she plans to ensure that the information-sharing database in children's services flags cases of domestic violence or child abuse to ensure that domestic violence perpetrators cannot use their rights under the Data Protection Act 1998 to track down their children or ex-partner.

Margaret Hodge: We recognise the importance of ensuring that children and families are protected from the perpetrators of domestic violence or child abuse. The details of how the information sharing databases or indexes will work will be set out in regulations and guidance. In framing the regulations and guidance we will take care to address the issue of protection from the perpetrators of domestic violence or abuse. This will include the facility for certain details, such as an address, to be blocked out or not to appear on the index at all where a parent has good cause to believe that the inclusion of such information may lead to a crime being committed.
	Where information on a child is held on the index, and a parent makes a request to access that information, their rights to access that information are balanced by the rights of the child. For children of sufficient maturity (which for the vast majority of children is taken to mean aged 12 or over), the right under the Data Protection Act to access data held about the child on the index will belong to the child rather than to the parent. So there will be no obligation on the person with responsibility for managing and operating the index (the data controller) to disclose information to a parent in such cases.
	For other children, where rights to access information held on a child may be exercised by a parent with parental responsibility, the data controller is under no obligation to disclose information if that would lead to harm. We will ensure that guidance to data controllers on handling such requests includes guidance on identifying cases of potential harm and procedures to avoid this, such as asking the other parent if they have any objection to the request or deciding that the other parent is the best person to exercise access right on behalf of the child.

Children's Centres

Candy Atherton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recommendations she has made to local authorities regarding parental involvement in children's centres.

Margaret Hodge: One of the Sure Start principles is that parents and children have access to services that are tailored flexibly according to their needs and circumstances. We issued children's centre start up guidance to local authorities in February 2003. This said that children's centres must not only consult parents and carers, including fathers, on what services to offer, but must also actively involve them by setting up systems to get their feedback on services and having on-going arrangements to ensure parents have a voice. There must also be mechanisms in place to enable parents to self-refer to services. Children's centres should implement specific strategies to include fathers. Family support and health advice must be available at times suitable for working parents. There should also be opportunities for family learning to take place at the centre or in settings linked to the centre such as FE colleges.

Class Sizes

Graham Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) five, (b) six and (c) seven-year-old children in Nottingham, North were taught in class sizes of 30 or more in (i) 1997 and (ii) the latest period for which figures are available.

Stephen Twigg: The age of individual pupils in classes is not collected centrally. The available information is shown in the table.
	
		Maintained primary schools(16): Number of pupils in Key Stage 1 classes of 31 or more pupils taught by one teacher—1997 and 2004—position in January each year—Nottingham, North parliamentary constituency
		
			  1997 2004 
		
		
			 Total pupils in all classes 3,471 2,892 
			
			 Number of pupils in classes of 31 or more   
			 Number of pupils 415 31 
			 Percentage of pupils(17) 12.0 1.1 
		
	
	(16)Includes middle schools as deemed.
	(17)Percentage of pupils in those classes expressed as a percentage of pupils in all classes taught by one teacher.
	Source:
	Annual Schools Census

College Lecturers (Pay)

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many college lecturers are employed by outside organisations; what the average differential in the pay rates between college lecturers employed directly by colleges and those employed indirectly is; and whether her Department monitors the pay rates set by (a) Protocol Professional and (b) other consultancies who hire lecturers using public funds.

Stephen Twigg: Data from the Learning and Schools Council (LSC) indicate that some 11,900 (9 per cent.) of teaching staff in colleges in the academic year 2002–03 were not employed directly by colleges.
	The rates of pay set by Protocol Professionals or any other agencies are not monitored by the LSC or the Department.
	Further education colleges are run by independent corporations established under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. They determine their own recruitment and pay policies. Pay levels will therefore vary from institution to institution.
	The following table shows the average salaries of full-time lecturers in further education paying into the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) as at 31 March 2002.
	
		£
		
			  Men Women All 
		
		
			 Under 25 18,510 18,180 18,290 
			 25–29 21,050 20,780 20,890 
			 30–34 23,730 23,350 23,530 
			 35–39 25,820 25,160 25,510 
			 40–44 27,480 26,560 27,040 
			 45–49 28,900 27,850 28,400 
			 50–54 30,400 28,620 29,640 
			 55–59 30,560 29,690 30,210 
			 60 and over 30,370 28,290 29,780 
			 All ages 28,410 26,880 27,710 
		
	
	Source:
	Database of Teacher Records
	There is no barrier to agency staff joining the TPS but the differing rates of pay between agency and non-agency staff cannot be determined. There are no indications on the proportion of staff joining the TPS.

Departmental Policies (Hull)

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Kingston upon Hull, North constituency, the effects on Kingston upon Hull, North of her Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997.

Stephen Twigg: The Kingston upon Hull, North constituency lies within Kingston upon Hull local education authority. The most recent Key Stage 2 and GCSE and equivalents Achievement for pupils attending schools in Kingston upon Hull, North are given in the following tables.
	
		Key Stage 2 Achievements of 11-year-old pupils attending schools in the Kingston upon Hull, North constituency -- Percentage of pupils gaining level 4 and above
		
			  1997 2004 Percentage point improvement 1997–2004 
		
		
			 Kingston upon Hull, North—English 49.9 71.2 21.3 
			 Kingston upon Hull, North—Maths 48.7 72.6 23.9 
			 National Average—English 63 78 15 
			 National Average—Maths 61 74 13 
		
	
	
		GCSE and equivalents(18) Achievement of 15-year-old pupils(19) attending schools in the Kingston upon Hull, North constituency
		
			 Percentage of 15-year-olds gaining 1997 2004 Percentage point improvement 1997–2004 
		
		
			 Kingston upon Hull, North—5 + A*-C 26.0 41.5 15.5 
			 Kingston upon Hull, North—5 + A*-G 75.9 81.0 5.1 
			 Kingston upon Hull, North—1 + A*-G 82.1 90.0 7.9 
			 National Average—5+ A*-C 45.1 53.7 8.6 
			 National Average—5+ A*-G 87.0 88.8 1.8 
			 National Average—1 + A*-G 92.3 95.9 3.6 
		
	
	(18)For 2004 only results incorporate GCSEs, GNVQs and a wide range of other qualifications approved pre-16. Prior to 2004 results are based on GCSEs and GNVQs only.
	(19)As standard the results reported relate to pupils aged 15 at the start of the academic year i.e. 31 August and therefore reaching the end of compulsory education at the end of the school year.
	Further information by constituency, is provided within the Department's 'In Your Area' website available at http://www.dfes.gov.uk/inyourarea. Where information is not available at the constituency level it has been provided at local education authority level.
	This website allows users to access key facts and local information about education and skills based on postcodes. The data available within the site offers comparisons between 1997 and the latest available year and covers five geographies. These are Parliamentary constituency, Ward, Local Authority District, Local Education Authority, Government Office Region. England figures are also provided.
	The information available within the website is grouped in a number of broad categories including Literacy and Numeracy at age 11, Literacy and Numeracy at age 14, GCSE / GNVQ results, Pupils with Special Educational Needs, School Initiatives, School Workforce, School Funding and Resources, Children's Social Services, Early Years, Class Sizes, Post 16, Higher Education and Adult Education.
	Additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, my Department is investigating ways in which we can disseminate more information about the effects of our policies at a local level. The 'In Your Area' website will be further developed over the coming months to include additional information about Adult Education, School Funding, School Initiatives, School Performance, School Workforce and Post 16.

Education Funding

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much central Government funding was received by each local education authority in England (a) per primary pupil and (b) per secondary pupil in 2004–05; if she will estimate the figures for 2005–06 based on the provisional local government settlement; and if she will provide in each case estimates for England as whole.

Stephen Twigg: The table gives, for local education authorities in England in 2004–05, the total funding per pupil in cash terms. These funding figures include funding via Education Formula Spending/Standard Spending Assessment and grants allocated at an LEA level, it also includes the pensions transfer to EPS and the Learning and Skills Council.
	Unfortunately, estimated funding figures for 2005–06 are not available as not all grant figures for 2005–06 are yet to hand.
	
		England LEAs—funding per pupil in cash terms -- £
		
			 LEA name Primary (3 to 10-year-olds) Secondary (11 to 15-year-olds) 
		
		
			 England total 3,560 4,450 
			 Camden 5,390 6,610 
			 Greenwich 4,800 6,060 
			 Hackney 5,460 7,300 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 5,230 6,630 
			 Islington 5,300 6,850 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 5,440 7,010 
			 Lambeth 5,360 7,270 
			 Lewisham 4,910 6,470 
			 Southwark 5,000 6,910 
			 Tower Hamlets 5,630 6,940 
			 Wandsworth 4,630 6,030 
			 Westminster 5,120 6,240 
			 Barking and Dagenham 4,060 5,080 
			 Barnet 3,880 4,770 
			 Bexley 3,520 4,430 
			 Brent 4,460 5,720 
			 Bromley 3,510 4,490 
			 Croydon 3,820 5,000 
			 Ealing 4,270 5,450 
			 Enfield 4,020 4.980 
			 Haringey 4,670 6,200 
			 Harrow 3,890 4,830 
			 Havering 3,480 4,480 
			 Hillingdon 3,770 4,700 
			 Hounslow 4,180 5,140 
			 Kingston upon Thames 3,550 4,490 
			 Merton 3,880 4,890 
			 Newham 4,620 5,670 
			 Redbridge 3,750 4,580 
			 Richmond upon Thames 3,520 4,550 
			 Sutton 3,610 4,510 
			 Waltham Forest 4,300 5,500 
			 Birmingham 3,840 4,900 
			 Coventry 3,570 4,460 
			 Dudley 3,230 4,100 
			 Sandwell 3,650 4,570 
			 Solihull 3,220 4,060 
			 Walsall 3,430 4,270 
			 Wolverhampton 3,660 4,710 
			 Knowsley 3,950 5,110 
			 Liverpool 3,880 4,970 
			 St. Helens 3,510 4,500 
			 Sefton 3,400 4,370 
			 Wirral 3,500 4,480 
			 Bolton 3,430 4,210 
			 Bury 3,340 4,180 
			 Manchester 4,110 5,310 
			 Oldham 3,640 4,510 
			 Rochdale 3,670 4,660 
			 Salford 3,690 4,720 
			 Stockport 3,200 4,040 
			 Tameside 3,420 4,310 
			 Trafford 3,230 4,090 
			 Wigan 3,320 4,170 
			 Barnsley 3,480 4,440 
			 Doncaster 3,540 4,440 
			 Rotherham 3,490 4,390 
			 Sheffield 3,520 4,500 
			 Bradford 3,700 4.680 
			 Calderdale 3,430 4,300 
			 Kirklees 3,530 4,430 
			 Leeds 3,440 4,420 
			 Wakefield 3,310 4,130 
			 Gateshead 3,550 4,550 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 3,730 4,720 
			 North Tyneside 3,380 4,390 
			 South Tyneside 3,690 4,590 
			 Sunderland 3,550 4,460 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 3,160 3,960 
			 City of Bristol 3,550 4,740 
			 North Somerset 3,220 4,090 
			 South Gloucestershire 3,100 3,980 
			 Hartlepool 3,600 4,570 
			 Middlesbrough 3,880 5,340 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 3,580 4,490 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 3,530 4,500 
			 City of Kingston-upon-Hull 3,680 4,650 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 3,240 3,980 
			 North East Lincolnshire 3,460 4,370 
			 North Lincolnshire 3,410 4,250 
			 North Yorkshire 3,340 4,020 
			 York 3,130 4,000 
			 Bedfordshire 3,370 4,270 
			 Luton 3,820 4,850 
			 Buckinghamshire 3,430 4,310 
			 Milton Keynes 3,570 4,490 
			 Derbyshire 3,250 4,020 
			 Derby 3,500 4,440 
			 Dorset 3,210 4,020 
			 Poole 3,040 4,050 
			 Bournemouth 3,230 4,070 
			 Durham 3,430 4,310 
			 Darlington 3,410 4,280 
			 East Sussex 3,490 4,400 
			 Brighton and Hove 3,610 4,570 
			 Hampshire 3,300 4,150 
			 Portsmouth 3,570 4,600 
			 Southampton 3,640 4,590 
			 Leicestershire 3,100 3,860 
			 Leicester 3,860 4,670 
			 Rutland 3.310 4,060 
			 Staffordshire 3,130 3,940 
			 Stoke on Trent 3,590 4,610 
			 Wiltshire 3,320 4,050 
			 Swindon 3,280 4,120 
			 Bracknell Forest 3.400 4,490 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 3,470 4,400 
			 West Berkshire 3,420 4,240 
			 Reading 3,760 4,960 
			 Slough 4,150 5,290 
			 Wokingham 3,280 4,150 
			 Cambridgeshire 3,350 4,130 
			 Peterborough 3,640 4,560 
			 Cheshire 3,200 4,000 
			 Halton 3,740 4,750 
			 Warrington 3,110 3,950 
			 Devon 3,330 4,060 
			 Plymouth 3,300 4,180 
			 Torbay 3,270 4,150 
			 Essex 3,460 4,360 
			 Southend 3,520 4,480 
			 Thurrock 3,700 4,820 
			 Herefordshire 3,490 4,230 
			 Worcestershire 3,140 3,990 
			 Kent 3,470 4,400 
			 Medway 3,360 4,270 
			 Lancashire 3,360 4,190 
			 Blackburn 3,860 4,780 
			 Blackpool 3,480 4,480 
			 Nottinghamshire 3,210 4,010 
			 Nottingham City 3,880 5,090 
			 Shropshire 3,360 4,140 
			 The Wrekin 3,420 4,300 
			 Cornwall 3,380 4,110 
			 Cumbria 3,410 4,180 
			 Gloucestershire 3,230 4,040 
			 Hertfordshire 3,400 4,290 
			 Isle of Wight Council 3,540 4,470 
			 Lincolnshire 3,350 4,200 
			 Norfolk 3,420 4,200 
			 Northamptonshire 3,290 4,130 
			 Northumberland 3,350 4,230 
			 Oxfordshire 3,450 4,300 
			 Somerset 3,300 4,150 
			 Suffolk 3,230 4,070 
			 Surrey 3,370 4,250 
			 Warwickshire 3,270 4,090 
			 West Sussex 3,360 4,190 
		
	
	Notes:
	1.Price base: Cash.
	2.Figures reflect relevant sub-blocks of education EPS settlements and include the pensions transfer to EPS and LSC. EPS is paid to authorities as a combination of central Government grant and council tax raised locally.
	3.Total funding also includes all revenue grants in DfES Departmental Expenditure Limits relevant to pupils aged 3–10 and excludes EMAs and grants not allocated at LEA level. For those LEAs in receipt of advance of grant under the transitional support arrangements for 2004–05, advance grant funding is included in the year of payment (2004–05). There will be a consequential reduction in DfES grant for these LEAs in future years (either 2006–07 and 2007–08 or 2006–07 to 2008–09) depending on the terms which the advance was given to the LEA.
	4.The pupil numbers used to convert £m figures to £ per pupil are those underlying the EPS settlement calculations.
	5.Rounding: Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	6.Status: 2004–05 figures are provisional as some grants have not yet been finalised/audited.

Education Funding

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the (a) percentage and (b) cash change in education funding for Leicestershire County Council has been in each year since 2001–02; how many teachers have been employed in Leicestershire local education authority area in each year since 2001–02 in real terms; and how much funding has changed per (i) primary and (ii) secondary school pupil in Leicestershire since 2001–02.

Stephen Twigg: The information requested is in the tables. Total funding includes funding via Education Formula Spending/Standard Spending Assessment and grants allocated at the LEA level. It excludes the pensions transfer to EFS and the Learning and Skills Council, and is in real terms.
	
		Real total funding, pupils aged 3 to 19 in Leicestershire 
		
			  Real terms, excluding pensions transfer to EFS and LSC in 2003–04 and 2004–05 (£ million) Cash change (£ million) Percentage change 
		
		
			 2001–02 306.4 — — 
			 2002–03 319.5 13.1 4 
			 2003–04 331.7 12.2 4 
			 2004–05 344.5 12.8 4 
		
	
	
		Average funding per pupil (£), Leicestershire: Real terms, excluding pensions transfer to EFS and LSC in 2003–04 and 2004–05  -- £
		
			  Primary (3 to 10 year olds) Secondary (11 to 15 year olds) 
		
		
			 2001–02 2,720 3,460 
			 2002–03 2,740 3,520 
			 2003–04 2,860 3,520 
			 2004–05 2,960 3,690 
		
	
	Notes:
	1.Price Base: Real terms at 2003–04 prices, based on GDP deflators as at 30 September 2004.
	2.Figures reflect relevant sub-blocks of education SSA/EFS settlements and exclude the pensions transfer to EFS and LSC.
	3.Total funding also includes all revenue grants in DfES Departmental Expenditure Limits relevant to pupils aged 3–15 and exclude EMAs and grants not allocated at LEA level.
	4.The pupil numbers used to convert £m figures to £ per pupil are those underlying the SSA/EFS settlement calculations plus PLASC 3 year old maintained pupils and estimated 3 to 4-year-olds funded through state support in maintained and other educational institutions where these are not included in the SSA pupil numbers.
	5.Where responsibility for funding a school has transferred from an LEA, related funding no longer appears in the series.
	6.Rounding: Figures are rounded to the nearest £10.
	7.Status: 2003–04 and 2004–05 figures are provisional as some grants have not yet been finalised/audited.
	The following table gives the number of teachers employed in Leicestershire since 2001–02:
	
		
			  Number of teachers 
		
		
			 2001–02 5,040 
			 2002–03 5,290 
			 2003–04 5,220 
		
	
	Notes:
	Figures are full-time equivalent regular teachers (excluding occasional) in service in the maintained sector in January of each year. The figure quoted for 2002–03 may be overstated. Source: DfES Annual Survey of Teachers in Service and Teacher Vacancies (Form 618G).
	Information for all LEAs is published by the Department in the Statistical First Release on the DfES website at the following URL:
	http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000493/index.shtml.

Education Provision (Northamptonshire)

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many teachers were employed in schools in Northamptonshire in the academic years (a) 1997–98 and (b) 2003–04;
	(2)  how many teachers were employed in schools in Northampton in (a) 1997–98 and (b) 2003–04;
	(3)  how many learning support assistants were employed in schools in (a) Northamptonshire and (b) Northampton in (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 2003–04.

Stephen Twigg: The following table shows the full-time equivalent number of teachers in the Northampton, North and Northampton, South constituencies and Northamptonshire LEA in 1998 and 2004:
	
		Maintained nursery, primary, secondary, special schools and pupil referral units(20)(5507300021)Full-time equivalent number of teachers3
		
			  1998 2004 
			 Position in January each year: 1998 and 2004 Qualified teachers Other teaching staff Total teaching staff Qualified teachers Other teaching staff Total teaching staff 
		
		
			 Northampton, North parliamentary constituency 930 10 940 940 50 990 
			 Northampton, South parliamentary constituency 740 10 750 830 40 870 
			 Northampton total 1,670 20 1,690 1,770 90 1,860 
			 Northamptonshire LEA(23) — — 5,290 5,600 160 5,760 
		
	
	(20)Includes middle schools as deemed.
	(21)Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools.
	(22)Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.
	(23)Source:
	DfES 618G Survey
	The following table shows the full-time equivalent number of support staff in the Northampton, North and Northampton, South constituencies and Northampton LEA in 1998 and 2004:
	
		Maintained nursery, primary, secondary, special schools and pupil referral units(24) , (25) full-time equivalent number of support staff(26)Position in January each year: 1998 and 2004
		
			  1998 2004 
			  Teaching assistants All other support staff Total support staff Teaching assistants All other support staff Total support staff 
		
		
			 Northampton, North parliamentary constituency 220 200 420 300 380 680 
			 Northampton, South parliamentary constituency 120 170 280 210 320 540 
			 Northampton total 340 370 700 510 700 1,220 
			 Northamptonshire LEA 880 1,090 1,980 1,360 2,080 3,440 
		
	
	(24)Includes middle schools as deemed.
	(25)Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools.
	(26)Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.
	Source:
	Annual School Census

Extended School Programmes

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list known sources of funding for extended school programmes; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: The Government are committed to supporting the development of extended schools, to offer enrichment activities and child care to parents and children. By 2010 all parents with children aged 5–11 will be offered the guarantee of affordable child care between the hours of 8 am to 6 pm, all year round. Provision could be available in a local school, in a neighbouring school or on a different site, provided by the school or in partnership with voluntary and private sector providers, including local childminders. Half of all parents will be able to enjoy this service by 2008. For secondary school aged children, all secondary schools will, by 2010, be open 8 am to 6 pm all year round offering a range of interesting activities. By 2008 we want at least a third of all secondary schools making this offer.
	We have already committed around £50 million over the period 2003–04 to 2004–05 to support the roll out of extended schools. This has comprised just under £44 million paid via the Standards Fund (including £2.8 million made available by the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit and £1.8 million from the Home Office) and £6.8 million paid through the Sure Start General Grant, In addition to this £14 million from the Young People's Fund element of the Big Lottery Fund has been made available to 78 local authorities over three years from 2004–05 to support the development of extended schools across their areas
	Funding should also be available from the agencies which deliver services provided on school premises such as health and social care. Schools can also charge for some services such as community use of the schools premises and child care. In the case of school based child care, parents, who are eligible, can claim part of the cost through the child care element of the working tax credit.
	In the financial year 2005–06 my Department will be making available just over £107 million to support the development of extended schools. In later years we will provide further sums including funding to support the development of school based child care. An announcement will be made in due course. The funding for extended schools is to kick start the delivery of services with the intention that the facilities should be self-sustaining over time.

Foster Carers

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the availability of foster carers.

Margaret Hodge: At 31 March 2004 approximately 61,100 children were looked after, of whom 68 per cent. were in foster placements in England. The Department itself does not collect information centrally about the number of foster carers. However, a recent survey of local authorities, carried out by the Fostering Network, indicated a shortage of around 8,200 foster carers in England.
	Supporting local authorities to act effectively to recruit and retain foster carers is therefore a priority for my Department and we have recently produced a Fostering Publicity Pack designed to help local authorities to run targeted local campaigns to recruit new foster carers for looked after children. We have also awarded a 3 year grant of £180,000 to the Fostering Network to support Foster Care Fortnight, which has a particular focus on recruitment.
	In addition, the Choice Protects grant, which provides funding of £113 million over three years, has a specific emphasis on fostering services. We are currently developing a number of new initiatives to improve the status, support and training of foster carers. These include the development of a national award ceremony, a national advice line, measures to improve the support given to foster carers who are subject to allegations and new training resources for foster carers. We will also shortly be commencing detailed work on payments to foster carers in the context of the Children Act 2004.

GCSEs

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average GCSE point scores were for each category of school in England in 2003/04.

Stephen Twigg: The following table shows the average GCSE and equivalents point score by school type by the end of 2003/04.
	
		
			  School type (admissions basis) Average GCSE and equivalents point score 
		
		
			 Comprehensive schools(27) 337.5 
			 Selective schools 499.2 
			 Modern schools 308.3 
			 Other maintained schools(28) 44.3 
			 All maintained schools 335.1 
			 Independent schools(29) 406.2 
			 All schools 340.3 
		
	
	(27)Including City Technology Colleges and Academies.
	(28)Including community and foundation special schools, hospital schools and pupil referral units.
	(29)Including non-maintained special schools.

Looked-after Children

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many looked-after children have been placed in private boarding schools in each of the last four years for which figures are available, broken down by local authority.

Mr. Twigg: This information has not been collected in 2004 and earlier years. It will be collected for the first time through the 2005 annual schools census.

Natural Auralism

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of natural auralism on teaching children with hearing impairment.

Margaret Hodge: In 2003 the DfES commissioned Cambridge and Manchester Universities to carry out a joint study of teaching approaches for different types of special educational needs (SEN). The study found that there was a large degree of overlap between different effective approaches—in essence, good teaching skills are much the same for all pupils, regardless of whether or not they have SEN, or the type of SEN.
	The 2003 research did not include an assessment of the effectiveness of the different specialised approaches used in teaching children with hearing impairment—oral/aural, total communication and sign bilingualism. We are considering what further work might be taken forward in this area.
	Parents of deaf or hearing impaired pupils who have statements of special educational needs, are able to express a preference for the maintained school they would like their child to attend, and can also make representations for a place at an independent or non-maintained special school. Before expressing a preference they are able to consider teaching approaches offered by different schools. Local authorities decide which school should be named in a child's statement taking account of parental preference and the individual needs of the child.

New Deal

Mark Fisher: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which schools in Stoke-on-Trent have received money under the New Deal for Schools.

Stephen Twigg: The schools that were allocated money under New Deal for Schools during the period 1997 to 2002 were: Sandon High School, The Mitchell High School, Sneyd Green Primary School, St.Margaret Ward RC High School, Florence Primary School, and Dresden Primary School. This information was recorded centrally and local authorities' allocation of resources may differ from this.

Ofsted

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the expenditure of Ofsted was in each year since its establishment; and what the estimated budget for the next financial year is.

Stephen Twigg: That is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, David Bell, will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of his letter in the House Library.

Ofsted

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many Ofsted inspectors were employed in each year between 2001–02 and 2003–04; how many are planned to be employed in each year between 2004–05 and 2007–08; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Twigg: That is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, David Bell, will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of his letter in the Library.

Physical Education

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of primary schools in the UK have a fully qualified physical education teacher.

Stephen Twigg: In England, primary school teachers are trained to deliver all subjects in the national curriculum including PE. In the other UK countries this is a matter for the devolved administrations.
	In January 2004, there were 196,640 full-time equivalent regular teachers in service in maintained nursery and primary schools in England.

Pre-school Education

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pre-school aged children there are in the Islington, North constituency; how many have places in nurseries or other approved pre-school provision; and how many such places (a) are available at present and (b) are planned.

Margaret Hodge: The Ofsted stock number of registered child care places (consisting of full day care, childminder and out of school places) available in Islington at March 2004 was 4,567 and increased to 4,878 in December 2004. We are unable to provide statistics for Islington North constituency from Ofsted statistics.
	In the period March 2004 to December 2004 Islington local authority (LA) created 733 gross new places. Taking into account turnover (places closing) this added 311 new places to the existing stock. The December registered stock data consists of 987 childminder places, 2,754 full day care places and 1,227 out of school places.
	Islington has a target to create 1,300 gross new child care places for the period 2004–06. This includes the 733 places created since March 2004, leaving a further 567 places to be created by March 2006. These places will be created by Islington LA, Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership to meet parental demand.
	In addition, all four-year-olds in England have been entitled to a free part-time early education place since September 1998. All three year olds in England have been entitled to a free part-time early education place since April 2004.
	The available information on the numbers of free part-time early education places taken up by three and four-year-olds in Islington North parliamentary constituency and Islington local education authority area is shown in the tables. Information for private and voluntary providers is available for Islington but not for Islington North constituency.
	Final figures for 2004 on the provision for three and four-year-olds were published in a statistical release 'Provision for children under five years of age in England—January 2004' which is available on the Department's website www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway.

Private Children's Homes

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she has taken to improve the line of accountability for social services Departments who place looked-after children in private children's homes out of area.

Margaret Hodge: Children's services authorities are in the process of appointing the Directors of Children's Services and Lead Members for Children's Services required under the Children Act 2004. The Director and Lead Member will improve children's services authority accountability for the placement of all looked after children by, respectively, being professionally and politically responsible on behalf of the authority for the safety and welfare of such children.
	Although all members of the authority have a shared responsibility for corporate parenting, the Lead Member will take the lead in ensuring that looked after children have their interests protected, their opportunities maximised, their educational achievement enhanced and their care shaped to met their needs. The 2004 Act also introduces a new duty on local authorities to promote the educational achievement of looked after children.
	The Department is currently conducting a review of local authority practice in placing looked after children in other local authority areas, with a view to both reducing their dependence on such placements and improving support for children who are placed out of authority. We intend to write to local authorities shortly reminding them of the importance of placing children locally whenever this can meet their needs and better planning and commissioning in adequate supply of such places.

Private Children's Homes

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many private children's homes have been registered in each of the last five years.

Margaret Hodge: Information provided by the Commission for Social Care Inspection on the number of private children's homes registered from 1 April 2002 to 19 January 2005 is shown in the table.
	Information is not available prior to 1 April 2002, when the National Care Standards Commission was created.
	
		
			  Private children's homes 
		
		
			 2002–03 103 
			 2003–04 148 
			 2004–05 (1 April to 18 January 2005 only) 118

Relationship Counselling

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what discussions she has had regarding the impact upon charities specialising in (a) marriage counselling and (b) family relationship counselling of the decision to end ring-fencing of Government funds for these services;
	(2)  what representations she has received from charities working with young people and families regarding the decision to end ring-fencing of Government funds for relationship counselling;
	(3)  what progress has been made in improving (a) marriage counselling and (b) relationship counselling services in (i) North West Leicestershire, (ii) the East Midlands and (iii) England since 1997.

Margaret Hodge: There has been no decision to end ring-fencing Government funds for marriage counselling and family relationship counselling. Funding for charities specialising in these services was formerly available through the Marriage and Relationship Support (MARS) grant. The Marriage and Relationship Support grant has now been amalgamated with the former Family Support grant to form the Strengthening Families grant, but the same amount of money is available to support the provision of marriage counselling and family relationship counselling. Marriage and Relationship Support will continue as an integral and important element of family support provision by the Department.
	In view of the recent merger of the Marriage and Relationship Support and the Family Support grant programmes we are considering evaluation of the current Marriage and Relationship and Family Support provision.
	We have had no representations from the sector in this area.

School Toilets

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which schools in England have outside toilets.

Stephen Twigg: My Department does not hold information regarding schools which have outside toilets.
	In 1998 the then Secretary of State announced that £35 million had been allocated to address the issue of school toilets which could only be accessed from outside. At that time around 450 projects were supported by the Department. The money available was not a limit, but an estimate of the requirement. Most authorities brought forward projects at that time and various means have been employed since that time to identify outstanding cases.
	Some schools chose to retain outside toilets to provide a useful facility adjacent to playing fields or temporary accommodation.

Students

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of students admitted to English universities were (a) overseas non-EU, (b) EU and (c) UK students in each year between 1997 and 2004.

Kim Howells: The available information is given in the table.
	
		Proportion of entrants by domicile at English HE institutions(30) postgraduates and undergraduates
		
			  Percentage from each domicile 
			 Academic Year UK EU Other overseas Total entrants(31) 
		
		
			 1997/98 84.6 6.9 8.5 581,890 
			 1998/99 84.5 7.4 8.1 616,035 
			 1999/2000 84.2 7.2 8.6 614,760 
			 2000/01 83.5 6.9 9.7 623,175 
			 2001/02 83.6 6.0 10.4 656,915 
			 2002/03 82.0 5.7 12.2 699,125 
			 2003/04 81.0 5.6 13.4 718,050 
		
	
	(30)Excludes the Open University.
	(31)Based upon a snapshot as at 1 December.
	Source:
	Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

Sure Start

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the effects of the Sure Start programme in Eltham.

Margaret Hodge: The South Greenwich Sure Start local programme was approved in 2000 and supports around 900 young local children and their families living in Eltham and Kidbrooke. The programme delivers a wide range of services to support local families including: a resourceful friends" scheme in partnership with Home Start Greenwich that provides one-to-one support to families in crisis; a support group for single parents; provision of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Educational Therapy and Portage services for families and children with special needs; provision of safety equipment which is loaned to families at a subsidised rate; a toy library; a creche; additional home visits by qualified midwife and health visitors; and early assessment and referral for children with development delay.
	Since opening, Sure Start South Greenwich has helped improve the quality of life for local families. For example: the percentage of women smoking during pregnancy has fallen from 45 per cent. to 39 per cent.; the percentage of children identified with speech and language development delay has fallen from 33 per cent. to 9.73 per cent. Local health visitors report back to the local programme on all women identified with post natal depression including specific referral to the Sure Start programme to provide support. Recent Sure Start Unit monitoring reports show that the programme is seeing 858 of their 909 children (a 94 per cent. increase since the programme opened).
	The programme has strong parental participation both in the management board which has 10 parent representatives (up from three since 2000)—and in activities where parents act as volunteers.

Sure Start

Ivan Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what funding has been allocated to the Harwich constituency under the Sure Start Scheme.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 24 January 2005
	Harwich constituency has one Mini Sure Start local programme (SSLP) and one Neighbourhood Nursery project. A total of £1,040,138 has been allocated to the constituency. This is made up of £415,000 capital and £625,138 revenue, representing £550,000 for the Mini SSLP, £420,000 for the Neighbourhood Nursery. Essex county council plan to use Harwich's Children's Centre funding allocation to further develop the SSLP and the neighbourhood nursery as one of the council's Children's Centres and £55,138 revenue and £15,000 capital have been set aside for this purpose.

Sure Start

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total expenditure on the Sure Start scheme has been in Coventry, South in each year since the scheme has been in operation.

Margaret Hodge: There are two Sure Start local programmes operating within the constituency of Coventry South, these are Sure Start Coventry South East and Sure Start Coventry West. To date each programme has had access to the following funding.
	
		Sure Start Coventry South East (round 2 Sure Start local programme) -- £
		
			  Revenue Capital 
		
		
			 2000/01 377,458 (32)— 
			 2001/02 753,354 (32)— 
			 2002/03 751,076 (32)— 
			 2003/04 751,076 (32)— 
			 2004/05 769,853 (32)— 
		
	
	(32)Capital allocation for the programme is £1 million
	
		Sure Start Coventry West (round 4 Sure Start local programme) -- £
		
			  Revenue Capital 
		
		
			 2001/02 152,745 (33)— 
			 2002/03 465,324 (33)— 
			 2003/04 660,000 (33)— 
			 2004/05 676,500 (33)— 
		
	
	(33)Capital allocation for the programme is £1 million

Veterinary Students

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions she has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on plans to provide assistance with variable fees for veterinary students.

Kim Howells: The Secretary of State has not had any direct discussions with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. However, as announced in the House on 12 February 2004, Sir Alan Langlands has been commissioned to produce a report on the gateways to the professions, which will examine how the public sector and the professions can sustain and improve recruitment opportunities for graduates, especially those who do not qualify for the full £3,000 support. One of the areas which he has been looking at is veterinary science. In addition my officials are in touch with officials in Defra. We expect that Sir Alan will make recommendations on entry to the professions, which will include veterinary science, when he reports in the summer.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Immigration and Asylum

Gwyn Prosser: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has further to amend the immigration and asylum system.

Charles Clarke: The Government reviews the immigration and asylum systems continually and makes changes where considered appropriate and effective. We will shortly be publishing our plans to make significant changes to the way we manage immigration and asylum.

Immigration and Asylum

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for indefinite leave to remain were received from April 2003 to April 2004 in (a) the Greater London Area and (b) the United Kingdom.

Charles Clarke: There were 114,305 applications made for indefinite leave to remain between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2004. All applications in the UK come through a central point so it is not possible to break down applications received in Greater London or elsewhere in the UK.
	These figures are based on unvalidated information drawn from internal management systems, and there may be data quality variations.
	Figures have been rounded to the nearest five.

Immigration and Asylum

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for indefinite leave to remain were granted within 19 days during the period April 2003 to April 2004.

Charles Clarke: There were 36,185 indefinite leave to remain applications granted in 19 days or less between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2004.
	These figures are based on invalidated information drawn from internal management systems, and there may be some data quality variations.
	Figures have been rounded to the nearest five.

Immigration and Asylum

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for leave to remain were processed within 20 days, and what percentage of the total number of applications this represented, in each year since 1997, broken down by the type of application.

Charles Clarke: The information requested is set out in the following table.
	
		Type of Application—Number and percentage of applications processed in 20 days or less.
		
			  Total application Cultural exchange Family members Marriage/partners 
			  processed Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage 
		
		
			 2002 288,300 1,070 34 2,630 48 8,040 26 
			 2003 387,280 395 41 3,960 58 18,070 49 
			 2004 281,305 520 63 5,305 75 18,685 68 
		
	
	
		
			  Other Self employed business Specialised employment 
			  Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage 
		
		
			 2002 1,160 25 205 3 2,475 43 
			 2003 1,530 30 275 3 3,555 51 
			 2004 3,270 52 920 19 4,305 65 
		
	
	
		
			  Students Visitors Work permit/ED 
			  Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage 
		
		
			 2002 61,685 41 5,795 33 31,060 49 
			 2003 123,440 56 8,390 50 54,535 66 
			 2004 98,680 61 7,775 66 23,150 40 
		
	
	Figures are rounded to nearest 5.
	Comparable data is not available prior to 2002 due to changes in data recording between old and existing databases. The information for 2004 is for the period between 1 January 2004 and 6 December 2004.
	The processing time is taken as the date that the application was received until the dispatch date.
	These figures are based on unvalidated information drawn from internal management systems, and there may be data quality variations.

Immigration and Asylum

Richard Page: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to enable Mr.Patrick Duncan Erasmus (Home Office Reference No. E1008322) to have his passport returned to him for the period 5 to 21 February, and then be allowed back into the UK to continue his appeal against refusal to allow him the right to remain in this country on the basis of his marriage.

Des Browne: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate wrote to Mr. Erasmus on 25 January, informing him of the outcome of his marriage application and Mr. Erasmus's passport was returned to him on the same date.
	If Mr. Erasmus leaves the United Kingdom before his appeal is determined, it will be taken that he has withdrawn his appeal. If he then wished to return to the United Kingdom he would have to apply for entry clearance in accordance with the Immigration Rules.

Immigration and Asylum

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will break down the numbers of migrants to the UK in each of the last three years by (a) those seeking asylum, (b) those applying for a work permit and (c) EU citizens.

Des Browne: The latest published statistics on the numbers of people granted settlement in the UK, in the categories requested, are given in the tables.
	EEA nationals are not obliged to seek settlement; the figures given relate to those who chose to do so and do not represent the total number of EEA nationals remaining indefinitely in the UK.
	Detailed immigration statistics are published annually in the Command Paper Control of Immigration: Statistics United Kingdom" available from the Library of the House or via the Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.
	
		Table 5.5 Grants of settlement by nationality, EEA nationals, 2003(34)—;United Kingdom -- Number of persons
		
			 Geographical region and nationality 2003(34) 
		
		
			 European economic area  
			 Austria 55 
			 Belgium 55 
			 Denmark 65 
			 Finland 40 
			 France 605 
			 Germany 370 
			 Greece 225 
			 Iceland 5 
			 Ireland 185 
			 Italy 430 
			 Luxembourg 5 
			 Netherlands 245 
			 Norway 35 
			 Portugal 845 
			 Spain 255 
			 Sweden 110 
			 Switzerland 40 
			 European economic area 3,565 
		
	
	(34)Provisional
	Data rounded to the nearest 5
	
		Table 3.1 Grants of settlement(35) by category of grant, excluding EEA nationals, 2003(36)—;United Kingdom -- Number of persons
		
			 Broad category of grant 2003(37) 
		
		
			 Employment  
			 Employment with a work permit after 4 years 9,190 
			 Spouses and dependants 10,620 
			 Permit free employment, businessman,  
			 Persons of independent means 1,550 
			 Spouses and dependants 1,050 
			 Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent 5,275 
			 Spouses and dependants 1,945 
			 Total employment-related grants 29,635 
			   
			 Asylum  
			 Refugees and persons given exceptional leave to remain 12,580 
			 Spouses and dependants 9,660 
			 Total asylum-related grants 22,240 
			   
			 Family formation and reunion(38)  
			 Husbands(39) 17,380 
			 Wives(39) 30,795 
			 Children 8,955 
			 Parents and grandparents 3,090 
			 Other and unspecified dependents 5,855 
			 Total family grants 66,075 
			   
			 Other grants on a discretionary basis 17,025 
			 Category unknown 6,510 
			 All grants of settlement 141,490 
		
	
	(35)Excludes reconsideration cases.
	(36)Provisional
	(37)Revised
	(38)Spouses and dependants joining British citizens or persons previously granted settlement.
	(39)Includes unmarried partners
	Data rounded to the nearest 5

Immigration and Asylum

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision will be made for children aged under five years at asylum accommodation centres.

Des Browne: The education provider is required to provide nursery education which delivers the Foundation Stage curriculum and covers early learning goals. This provision must be delivered to the same quality as mainstream provision and must be registered with Ofsted, in accordance with The Children Act 1989.

Immigration and Asylum

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what formal links with schools and education facilities asylum accommodation centres will have.

Des Browne: The education provider is required, through the contract, to establish links with the local community, including local schools. There are a number of ways in which links could be made, for example, through reciprocal visits by pupils or sporting links.

Immigration and Asylum

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost of providing education facilities at asylum accommodation centres; and who will be responsible for the costs.

Des Browne: We have made no discrete estimate of education facility costs as these will be procured and paid for by the prime contractor as part of their overall response to the Home Department's output specification for accommodation centres. The costs will be incorporated in the contractual capital expense and monthly operating fees that the contractor will receive from the Department as reimbursement for its services.

Immigration and Asylum

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what facilities will be provided for children with special educational needs at asylum accommodation centres.

Des Browne: Education provided within accommodation centres will have the same broad range and be of equivalent quality to that provided in mainstream schools. Most children with special educational needs (SEN) will have their needs met at the accommodation centre in the same way as the majority of SEN pupils are educated in mainstream schools. We will ensure that provision in the centres reflects that usually provided in schools through School Action and School Action Plus under the SEN Code of Practice.

Immigration and Asylum

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what steps the Government will take to ensure that contractors provide effective education at asylum accommodation centres;
	(2)  whether education facilities at asylum accommodation centres will be inspected.

Des Browne: Ofsted will have a power to inspect and, if requested by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, a duty to do so. The centres will be inspected within their first year of operation. Timing and frequency of subsequent visits will be dependent on the findings of the initial inspection. A copy of the inspection report will be sent to the education provider. If the findings are that special measures need to be taken to raise standards, the provider will be required to prepare an action plan in the same way as schools are required to do at present.

Immigration and Asylum

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department from where teachers at asylum accommodation centres will be recruited; and what qualifications they will be required to have.

Des Browne: Teacher recruitment is a matter for the contractors. Only those who are qualified to teach children in schools will be able to teach children in accommodation centres. The staffing mix in accommodation centres will mirror, as closely as possible, that of a typical maintained school. So, the majority of teachers will be required to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and for teaching secondary school aged children, an appropriate qualification in the subject area taught.

Immigration and Asylum

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment will be made of children's educational needs when they arrive at asylum accommodation centres.

Des Browne: On arrival at the accommodation centre, every child will receive an initial assessment by the education provider. This will cover previous educational experience and attainment, knowledge of English and any Special Educational Needs (SEN) requirements. Progress will be monitored by teacher assessment during the stay and, on leaving the centre, a final assessment will be made and information recorded in a Progress File which will be available to the receiving school if the child is to remain in the UK.

Immigration and Asylum

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what role will be played by local education authorities in relation to asylum accommodation centres.

Des Browne: The education of children in accommodation centres will be provided on site. However, the LEA will have a duty to carry out a statutory assessment to determine the Special Educational Needs of a child for whom the education provider feels unable to make appropriate Special Education provision.

Immigration and Asylum

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what subjects will be taught within education provision in asylum accommodation centres.

Des Browne: All the National Curriculum subjects will be taught in accommodation centres. The Curriculum will be tailored to meet the children's needs. For example, references to the children's particular cultures and background can be included and there will be intensive support to help them learn English. All of the subject areas will be taught in English as they would be in schools.

Immigration and Asylum

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many refused asylum seekers were removed from the UK in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001; what the statistical basis was for the prediction by the Home Office that 30,000 refused asylum seekers would be removed in 2001–02; and how many refused asylum seekers were removed in 2002.

Des Browne: Information on the number of asylum applicants removed from the United Kingdom between 1999 and 2002, inclusive, is shown in the table. The 30,000 removals target was set to drive up performance and to achieve a real step change in the number of failed asylum seekers being removed. We have since accepted that it was not achievable.
	
		Removals and voluntary departures(40) of asylum applicants, excluding dependants, 1999 to 2002(41)
		
			  1999 2000 2001 2002 
		
		
			 Principal applicants 7,665 8,980 9,285 10,740 
			 Dependants(42) n/a n/a 1,495 3,170 
			 Total(42) n/a n/a 10,780 13,910 
		
	
	(40)Includes persons departing 'voluntarily' after enforcement action had been initiated against them, persons leaving under Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes run by the International Organisation for Migration, and removals on safe third country grounds.
	(41)Figures rounded to the nearest five, and may not sum due to rounding.
	(42)Data on dependants removed have only been collected since April 2001.
	n/a—not available.

Immigration and Asylum

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many pre-2000 asylum cases applied for special consideration by 31 December 2004.

Des Browne: An announcement detailing the results of the exercise including the available statistical information will be made when the exercise is completed.

Immigration and Asylum

Bob Laxton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of initial asylum applications received from 1 August 2003 were dealt with in the target time of 13 weeks from receipt of application.

Des Browne: 88 per cent. of applications (excluding withdrawals and third country cases 1 ) received in August 2003 to June 2004 had initial decisions reached and served within 13 weeks.
	The latest published information on the Home Office Public Service Agreement for 2003–04, ensuring that 75 per cent. of substantive asylum applications are decided within two months show that: 82 per cent. of applications (excluding withdrawals and third country cases 1 ) received in 2003–04 (April 2003 to March 2004) had initial decisions reached and served within two months, 90 per cent. within four months and 94 per cent. within six months (compared with 75 per cent., 85 per cent. and 88 per cent. respectively for 2002–03).
	84 per cent. of applications received in Q2 (April to June) 2004 had initial decisions reached and served within two months, compared with 83 per cent. for Q1 (January to March) 2004.
	Information on the timeliness of initial decisions is published quarterly on the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.
	1 Cases which may be the responsibility of other EU member states under the Dublin Convention.

Immigration and Asylum

Bob Laxton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the current time taken for a decision on an asylum application that was made before 1 August 2003 is, where the initial application was considered to be valid.

Des Browne: The latest information on the average time between application and initial decisions made in 2003 is shown in the table.
	
		Average time between application(43) and initial decision, for cases decided in 2003
		
			  Average time in months(44) Number of cases(45) 
		
		
			 All applications 10 64,900 
			 Of which:   
			 Pre-1997 102 700 
			 1997 72 400 
			 1998 59 1,100 
			 1999 47 2,500 
			 2000 36 2,900 
			 2001 23 1,900 
			 2002 6 17,600 
			 2003 2 37,800 
		
	
	(43)Excluding dependants.
	(44)The average length of time (in months) is calculated from date application lodged to the date of initial decision, and relates to the year in which the applications were made.
	(45)Provisional figures rounded to the nearest 100.
	The latest published statistics show that the speed of processing asylum applications continues to improve. 82 per cent. of applications (excluding withdrawals and third country cases 1 ) received in the period April 2003 to March 2004 had initial decisions reached and served within two months, compared with 75 per cent. of applications in 2002–03. This exceeded the Government's targets of 75 per cent. for 2003–04 and 65 per cent. for 2002–03.
	Information on the timeliness of initial decisions is published quarterly on the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.
	1 Cases which may be the responsibility of other EU member states under the Dublin Convention.

Immigration and Asylum

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the criteria for assessing and substantiating accounts of torture and political persecution given by Zimbabwean asylum seekers differentiate between claims from genuine and non-genuine Zimbabwean refugees.

Des Browne: Asylum caseworkers consider the applicant's written and oral evidence in the light of the available sources of information about the country situation and particular incidents, taking account also of any medical evidence of torture, before deciding whether the individual has a well-founded fear of persecution and should be recognised as a refugee under the terms of the 1951 Convention.

Crime Statistics

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of (a) the number of recorded crimes in (i) England and Wales and (ii) Greater London in 2010 and (b) the percentage of each that will be cleared up in that year.

Hazel Blears: Recorded crime is not forecast beyond 2008; nor are estimates of the percentage cleared up made.
	However, crime forecasts were produced for the period 2003–04 to 2007–08 and included in the modelling work for the Home Office Strategic Plan.

Crime Statistics

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make an assessment of trends in the level of acquisitive crimes in west Bassetlaw.

Caroline Flint: The available information relates to the Bassetlaw Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and shows that between 2002–03 and 2003–04 there was a fall in all acquisitive crime of 244 offences or 4 per cent.

Race Equality/Community Cohesion

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's strategy for race equality and community cohesion.

Mr. Clarke: I published Improving Opportunity, Strengthening Society", our race equality and community cohesion strategy, on 19 January. The aim of the strategy is to deliver a cohesive society built on opportunities for all, establishing mutual expectations of all citizens and tackling hatred and discrimination.
	This is not about putting all people from minority ethnic communities in one category and those from the majority in another. Rather, it is about identifying and responding to the specific needs of different communities.
	The strategy is not rhetoric. It is focused on practical action and measurement, with a comprehensive cross-Government Public Service Agreement target to monitor and reduce race inequalities between 2005 and 2008.

Traffic Police

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (a) responsibilities he has allocated and (b) directives he has issued to traffic police.

Hazel Blears: All police officers, including those dedicated to traffic duties have the same powers. Their deployment and operational practice is a matter for individual chief officers. The first three National Policing Plans make it clear that we expect the police to give roads policing appropriate attention and we have built on this by the Roads Policing Strategy statement issued jointly earlier this month by the Home Office, the Department for Transport and the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Anti-terrorism Legislation

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions his Department has had with Muslim leaders in the UK regarding anti-terrorism legislation.

Mr. Clarke: I and other Ministers have met representatives of the Muslim communities, including the Muslim Council of Great Britain, on several occasions to discuss their concerns. They have also met with officials in the Home Office and relevant officers in the police service.
	Representatives of the Muslim communities have also played an active part in Counter Terrorism Powers: Reconciling Security and Liberty in an Open Society"—the consultation process on the Government's counter-terrorism powers, both by submitting written responses and in attending public consultation events.

Driving (Mobile Telephones)

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with chief constables regarding the deployment of officers to enforce the law relating to driving while using hand-held mobile telephones.

Caroline Flint: It is for chief officers to decide how most effectively to deploy their resources in accordance with local and strategic plans and the National Policing Plan. We have not specifically discussed this issue with them. The Association of Chief Police Officers has welcomed the new specific offence as a straightforward method of dealing with this dangerous behaviour and the police will enforce the offence as operationally appropriate.

Driving (Mobile Telephones)

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been prosecuted for driving while using a hand-held mobile phone since the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2003 came into force; what the Government are doing to enforce legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Data for 2003 on police actions (written warnings, fixed penalty notices and court proceedings) related to the new offence of driving while using a hand held mobile telephone will not be available until late March 2005.

Antisocial Behaviour

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to encourage liaison between the different authorities and bodies with a role in reducing antisocial behaviour.

Hazel Blears: The Government recognises that partnership working at a local level is the key to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour effectively. We are supporting agencies to identify and deliver local solutions to local problems by working together within the Crime and Disorder Partnership framework.
	Our TOGETHER campaign, which targets a wide range of practitioners, actively promotes partnership working and offers practical assistance that can help local agencies to work together in delivering effective interventions.

Antisocial Behaviour

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the antisocial behaviour help line and report line.

Hazel Blears: 'It's Your Call' is part of the next step of the TOGETHER campaign. This initiative is part of the commitment made by Action Areas to raise levels of action and to make services more accessible to the public. Newcastle, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland are the first areas in the country to go live with the new 'It's Your Call' phone line. The service will be launched in 21 additional TOGETHER Action Areas and Trailblazers in a phased approach over the next six weeks.
	A new single number 0845 605 222, encouraging people to report antisocial behaviour, will be promoted on poster sites and on phone boxes in participating areas. Running in parallel, two million door-drops highlighting the new service will be distributed, and postcards giving feedback when action has been taken will also be utilised by the participating areas.
	The TOGETHER ActionLine is a separate service which provides help and advice to practitioners to improve their response to antisocial behaviour. The ActionLine, complimented by the TOGETHER website helps practitioners to become confident in using the powers available to them and gives them access to innovative and creative solutions and enable them to network and share knowledge and successes.

Antisocial Behaviour Orders

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment his Department has made of the use of antisocial behaviour orders.

Hazel Blears: We constantly review issues relating to the use of antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) through our contact with local practitioners.
	We produce a range of quarterly statistics that allow us to assess the use of ASBOs, and data on breach of ASBOs are produced annually.
	A major research project is under way to evaluate the impact of ASBOs on communities.

Antisocial Behaviour Orders

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued in the Tees Valley, broken down by constituency.

Hazel Blears: Available information, up to 30 June 2004, by local authority area only is given in the table.
	Data up to 30 September 2004 will be available shortly.
	
		Number of ASBOs, as notified to the Home Office by all courts, and where restrictions are imposed within local authority areas within the Tees Valley region(46), from 1 April 1999 up to 30 June 2004
		
			 Area Total ASBOs issued 
		
		
			 Tees Valley region(46) 41 
			   
			 Cleveland 34 
			 of which:  
			 from 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000 by pfa 1 
			 from 1 June 2000 to 30 June 2004 by local  authority area 33 
			 Hartlepool BC 7 
			 Middlesbrough BC 17 
			 Redcar and Cleveland council 3 
			 Stockton on Tees BC 6 
			 Not given 0 
			   
			 Durham (part) 7 
			 of which:  
			 from 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000 by pfa 0 
			 from 1 June 2000 to 30 June 2004 by local  authority area 7 
			 Darlington BC 7 
		
	
	(46)Tees Valley region comprises the five following local authority areas: Darlington BC, Hartlepool BC, Middlesbrough BC, Redcar and Cleveland Council and Stockton on Tees BC.
	Note:
	Between 1 April 1999 and 31 May 2000 data available by police force area (pfa) only.

Antisocial Behaviour Orders

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what personal details of the recipients of antisocial behaviour orders are recorded.

Hazel Blears: The following personal details of recipients of Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) are recorded on the Home Office ASBO Database: full name, age/date of birth and sex.

Blasphemy Law

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons he has decided not to bring forward legislative proposals to repeal the law on blasphemy; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Government have no immediate plans to amend the laws on blasphemy. We acknowledge that there are a wide variety of views on whether the blasphemy laws should be retained, repealed or extended, but we have not sought to amend the current law on blasphemy in the absence of a consensus on how to proceed. For example in a recent ICM poll for The Guardian although 46 per cent. of the public believe that the blasphemy laws should be repealed, 38 per cent. believe it should be kept on the statute book. We will however, keep the issue under review, particularly as the benefits of the new provision against incitement to religious hatred are realised.

Carers (Police Checks)

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the recommended maximum time is for police checks on carers working with (a) vulnerable adults and (b) children.

Hazel Blears: There is no recommended maximum time for police checks on carers working with vulnerable adults and children. The Criminal Records Bureau aims to complete disclosure applications across all sectors within the shortest time possible.
	The Criminal Records Bureau has published service standards, which are to issue 90 per cent. of standard disclosures within two weeks and 90 per cent. of enhanced disclosures within four weeks for all employment sectors. The bureau has achieved this service standard on an annualised basis since November 2003.

CCTV

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what grant schemes are available to fund the capital costs of CCTV; what criteria are used to assess applications; what recent applications have been received; and what future grant funding will be available.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 24 January 2004
	Under the Crime Reduction Programme (CRP) CCTV Initiative, £170 million was provided to local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) to set up 684 public space CCTV schemes across England and Wales, to tackle crime and disorder and the fear of crime.
	The CRP CCTV Initiative ended in 2002, but funding opportunities remain available under the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) and the BCU Fund. £72.3 million and £74 million was made available in 2003–04 and 2004–05 respectively from the BSCF and was allocated directly to CDRPs to tackle local crime priorities using a raft of interventions, including CCTV. A further £50 million was allocated to police forces under the BCU Fund in both years. In addition, police forces may include CCTV provision at their discretion from police capital grant to support local capital programmes. The Home Office has allocated a total of £210 million in capital provision for 2005–06, an increase of 13 per cent. over provision for 2004–05.
	In the majority of cases, specific applications for CCTV capital funding are not required or made. Any capital spend on CCTV is usually built into CDRPs' plans for the BSCF and BCU Funds.
	Alongside police capital grant money, grant funding for future projects is, as in the past, available to CDRPs under BSCF and to police and CDRPs under the BCU Fund.

Child Deaths in Custody

Hilton Dawson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the deaths of children in custody since 1997.

Hazel Blears: The death of any young person in custody (or elsewhere) is a terrible tragedy. I send my deepest sympathy for the family of Gareth Price, who died on 20 January after being found hanging while on remand at Lancaster Farms Young Offender Institution. The Government take very seriously the issue of self-harm and suicide in the juvenile custodial estate and have taken a range of steps to try to prevent it. We are currently looking at what further measures may be needed.

Class A Drugs

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to make (a) Fly Agaric and (b) any of its preparations and derivatives a Class A Drug.

Caroline Flint: There are no plans to control Fly Agaric or any of its derivatives or preparations as its prevalence in the UK is negligible.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to answer the letter dated 11 December 2004 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr.Rahman Mohammed Mustafa.

Charles Clarke: I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 20 January.

Criminal Justice Intervention Panels

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) role, (b) aim and (c) purpose will be of the criminal justice intervention panels; and when they will be fully functional.

Caroline Flint: The Drug Interventions Programme (formerly Criminal Justice Interventions Programme) is a critical part of the Government's national strategy for tackling drugs. The programme aims to make the most of opportunities provided by the criminal justice system to get drug misusing offenders out of crime and into treatment.
	The 'intensive' elements of the Drug Interventions Programme are currently operational in 66 police Basic Command Units (47 drug action teams) with high levels of acquisitive crime. From April 2005–06, we will expand the intensive elements of the programme to a further 32 Basic Command Units covering 23 DATs. These elements include testing for Class A drugs following charge for certain trigger offences.
	The programme will be enhanced by measures included in the Drugs Bill, which entered Commons Committee on 27 January 2005.
	Between April and November 2004, over 9,000 people entered treatment through the programme.
	Early evidence shows that acquisitive crime is falling faster in Drug Interventions Programme areas than non-programme areas.

Custody Officers

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for theHome Department what assessment he has made of the (a) qualifications and (b) skills required by civilian custody officers; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: The skills and knowledge required for the post of custody officer are identical whether or not the statutory functions required under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) were to be carried out by a police sergeant, as currently provided for under PACE or, under Clause 111 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill, for a staff custody officer.
	Currently, there is no formal qualification required before a police officer can take on the role of custody sergeant. CENTREX have developed a national training programme for custody officers. It is a matter for individual force policy on training provided before the appointment of police officers to this role.
	National Occupational Standards for the Police Sector developed by Skills for Justice set out the competencies and skills required for authorising and managing police detention and form an Integrated Competency Framework. In terms of the custody officer, the competency framework focuses on the key areas of making detention decisions; managing the detention of individuals; and authorising and reviewing continued detention.
	In addition, further work is currently under way with stakeholders and the National Centre for Policing Excellence on developing guidance on how these standards are to be achieved. This will be published later this year. Combined with the competency framework, we will have in place definitive standards for police and police staff employed in the custody suite.

Departmental Costs

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the European Union directives and regulations relating to his Department that have been implemented in each of the last two years, specifying (a) the title and purpose of each, (b) the cost to public funds of each and (c) the cost to businesses of each.

Caroline Flint: The Home Office has implemented eight European Community Directives and/or Regulations in the time specified.
	1.Council Regulation (EC) no. 1030/2002 laying down a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals. Adopted 27/11/2003
	(a) In implementing the Council Decision the UK introduced the UK Residence Permit (UKRP). It is a secure vignette, in an EU-wide format that replaces ink stamps for the purpose of granting leave to enter or remain in the UK for periods in excess of six months.
	2.Council Regulation (EC) NO. 333/2002 on a uniform format for forms for affixing the visa issued by member states to persons holding travel documents not recognised by the member states drawing up the form. Adopted 18/02/2002
	(a) Where member states do not recognise the country or authority that issued a person's travel document, the appropriate visa is stuck onto a separate form. The purpose of Regulation 333/2002 is to ensure that member states adopt a standard, recognisable format for the forms used in these circumstances. The Regulation also prescribes various security features which will help prevent counterfeiting and falsification.
	3.Council Regulation no. 343/2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the member state responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the member states by a third country national (Dublin Convention II). Adopted 18/02/2003
	4.Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1560/2003 of 2 September 2003 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the member state responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the member states by a third country national.
	(a) Provisions of the Dublin II Regulation entered into force on 1 September 2003 and replaced the 1990 Dublin Convention, which was operational since 1997. The Dublin arrangements enable member states to identify whether another member state is responsible for determining an individual's application, and to return them to that responsible State.
	5.Council Directive 2002/90/EC defining the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and residence. Adopted 22/11/02
	(a) The purpose of this Directive is to provide a definition of the facilitation of illegal immigration and consequently to render more effective the implementation of the Framework Decision in order to prevent that offence.
	6.Council Regulation (EC) 2725/2000 concerning the establishment of 'Eurodac' for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of the Dublin Regulation (Eurodac Regulation). Adopted 11/12/00
	7.Council Regulation (EC) No. 407/2002 of 28 February 2003 laying down certain rules to implement Regulation (EC) No.2725/2000 concerning the establishment of Eurodac" for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of the Dublin Convention.
	(a) The Central Unit database established by the Eurodac Regulations became operational on 15 January 2003. The Eurodac system provides for the computerised exchange and storage of fingerprint information on asylum claimants and illegal entrants apprehended when attempting to cross the external frontier of the EU. Eurodac evidence underpins the effective operation of the Dublin arrangements, now provided by the Dublin II Regulation (above) to secure returns and rapidly identify multiple asylum applications.
	8.Council Directive 2001/51/EC supplementing the provision of Article 26 of the convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 (Carriers' Liability Directive). Adopted 28/06/01
	(a) The aim of this Directive is to supplement the provisions of Article 26 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985, signed at Schengen on 19 June 1990(5) (hereinafter referred to as the Schengen Convention") and to define certain conditions with respect to their implementation.
	Records of the cost of implementation of these measures to public funds are not kept by the Home Department; to endeavour to do so would incur disproportionate cost. This applies to all of the aforementioned.
	Records of the cost of each measure to business are monitored through the production of Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs). These project the likely costs on businesses, charities or voluntary organisations.

Departmental Expenditure

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been spent on entertainment by his Department in each year since 1997, broken down by (a) food, (b) alcohol, (c) staff and (d) accommodation.

Fiona Mactaggart: Home Office expenditure on official entertainment is made in accordance with departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety based on the principles set out in Government Accounting.
	The following figures relate to the cost of entertaining non-civil servants (hospitality) and civil servants (management entertainment). Details of such expenditure have only been held centrally since 1997–98 and are not recorded in a way that allows expenditure to be broken down into the categories requested.
	The increase in expenditure from 1999–2000 is due to an element of incorrect expenditure coding, resulting in the inclusion of accommodation and subsistence costs. It is not possible, without incurring disproportionate cost, to separate these costs and, consequently, these figures are not directly comparable with those provided in previous years.
	
		£
		
			  Total expenditure 
		
		
			 1997–98 37,747 
			 1998–99 44,415 
			 1999–2000 94,370 
			 2000–01 108,925 
			 2001–02 75,808 
			 2002–03 70,591 
			 2003–04 89,072

Departmental Expenditure

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the running costs of the Department were in each year since 1997, broken down by (a) electricity, (b) water, (c) gas, (d) telephones, (e) mobile telephones and (f) televisions.

Fiona Mactaggart: The figures are as follows:
	
		£
		
			  2003–04 2002–03 2001–02 2000–01 1999–2000 1998–99 1997–98 
		
		
			 Electricity(47) 2,783,686 2,576,900 2,562,161 2,017,331 1,928,377 1,441,853 1,373,063 
			 Waterl 192,341 175,993 323,350 351,987 311,947 n/a n/a 
			 Gasl 579,546 692,005 838,530 624,255 347,556 359,219 285,521 
			 Telephones(48) 7,487,813 6,520,240 6,138,198 6,392,398 4,863,355 5,136,791 8,354,664 
			 Mobile Telephones(49) 1,318,444 1,289,000 960,078 786,525 495,335 333,467 527,558 
			 Televisions(50) 21,471 16,283 17,162 n/a 15,038 8,572 n/a 
		
	
	n/a = Not available.
	(47)These figures are taken from Environmental monitoring data and are for key sites only. They include Home Office and Prison Service HQs, but exclude prisons. The number of key sites captured within these figures has increased since 1997 by over 100 per cent.
	(48)Figures for telephones includes, exchange rentals, calls, computer line links, CBX costs, GTN rentals and call costs, video conference costs, GDN costs and engineering and development costs. These figures are taken from accounting data and include all Home Office sites (excluding Prison Service and prisons).
	(49)Figures include pager charges. These figures are taken from accounting data and include all Home Office sites (excluding Prison Service and prisons).
	(50)Figures are for Cable Television charges for the HO central London estate (other than Prison Service).

Dispersal Orders

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many section 30 dispersal orders each authority has applied for in each year since their introduction.

Hazel Blears: It is estimated that dispersal powers have been authorised in over 400 areas between January 2004, when the powers came into force and September 2004. We do not have a breakdown by local authority area.

Fixed Penalty Notices

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for which offences fixed penalty notices may be issued by non-police personnel.

Hazel Blears: Under the Police Reform Act 2002 chief constables may accredit a community safety accreditation scheme and individuals to take part in such a scheme. Accredited persons have the power to issue fixed penalty notices for:
	Cycling on a footway under section 54 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988
	Dog fouling under section 4 of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996
	Littering under section 88 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
	Fly-posting and graffiti under section 43 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.
	Accredited persons may also be authorised by a chief constable to issue certain fixed penalty notices under the penalty notice for disorder scheme. The table lists these penalty offences. It is a matter for the chief constable which of these offences accredited persons may issue penalty notices for.
	Other Government Departments also have fixed penalty notice schemes where non-police personnel may issue fixed penalties.
	
		Penalty Notice For Disorder Scheme: List of penalty offences
		
			  
		
		
			 S5, Criminal Law Act 1967 Wasting police time. Giving false report. 
			 s127(2) of the Communications Act 2003 Use of a public electronic communications network in order to cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety. 
			 (England only) S49 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 Knowingly giving a false alarm to a person acting on behalf of a fire and rescue authority. 
			 S31, Fire Services Act 1947 Knowingly giving a false alarm to a fire brigade. 
			 S5, Public Order Act 1986 Causing, harassment, alarm or distress. 
			 S80, Explosives Act 1875 Throwing fireworks. 
			 s169A of the Licensing Act 1964 Sell alcohol to person under 18. 
			 s169C(2) of the Licensing Act 1964 Purchase in licensed premises of alcohol for person under 18. 
			 s169C(3) of the Licensing Act 1964 Purchase of alcohol for consumption in a bar in licensed premises for person under 18. 
			 s169F of the Licensing Act 1964 Delivery of alcohol to person under 18 or allowing such delivery. 
			 Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003 Contravention of a prohibition or failure to comply with a requirement imposed by or under fireworks regulations or making false statements, specifically; Breach of fireworks curfew. 
			 Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003 Contravention of a prohibition or failure to comply with a requirement imposed by or under fireworks regulations or making false statements, specifically; Possession of a category 4 firework. 
			 Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003 Contravention of a prohibition or failure to comply with a requirement imposed by or under fireworks regulations or making false statements, specifically; Possession by a person under 18 of an adult firework. 
			 S55, British Transport Commission Act 1949 Trespassing on a railway. 
			 S56, British Transport Commission Act 1949 Throwing stones at a train. 
			 S12, Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 Consuming alcohol in designated public place, contrary to requirement by constable not to do so. 
			 169E(1) of the Licensing Act 1964 Consumption of alcohol by a person under 18 in licensed premises. 
			 169E(2)of the Licensing Act 1964 Allowing consumption of alcohol by a person under 18 in a bar in licensed premises.

Fraud and Forgery (Lancashire)

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) fraud and (b) forgery offences have been reported to Lancashire police in each year since 1997; and how many led to (i) prosecution and (ii) conviction.

Hazel Blears: The available information is given in the tables. Tables 1 and 2 give the number of offences recorded by the police in the Lancashire police force area. Recorded crime data are published on a financial year basis.
	Table 3 gives the number of defendants proceeded against and found guilty in the Lancashire police force area. Court proceedings data are published on a calendar year basis. Data for 2004 will not be available until the autumn.
	Because recorded crime deals with offences and court proceedings deals with defendants, the two data sets are not directly comparable.
	
		Table 1: Fraud and forgery offences recorded by the police in Lancashire, 1997–98 to 2001–02 -- Number of offences
		
			  Fraud Forgery 
		
		
			 1997–98(51) 3,340 217 
			 1998–99(52) 4,279 167 
			 1999–2000 3,831 193 
			 2000–01 5,828 107 
			 2001–02 6,155 183 
		
	
	(51)The number of crimes recorded using the coverage and rules in use until 31 March 1998.
	(52)The number of crimes recorded using the expanded coverage and revised counting rules which came into effect on 1 April 1998.
	Note:
	The data in this table are prior to the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard. These figures are not directly comparable with those for later years.
	
		Table 2: Fraud and forgery offences recorded by the police in Lancashire, 2002–03 and 2003–04  -- Number of offences
		
			  Fraud Forgery 
		
		
			 2002–03 5,695 144 
			 2003–04 6,991 166 
		
	
	Note:
	The data in this table take account of the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard in April 2002. These figures are not directly comparable with those for earlier years.
	
		Table 3: Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for fraud and forgery(53) in the Lancashire police force area, 1997 to 2003
		
			  Fraud Forgery 
			  Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty 
		
		
			 1997 742 553 294 206 
			 1998 872 667 236 161 
			 1999 804 619 265 197 
			 2000 759 546 171 130 
			 2001 736 558 165 107 
			 2002 739 540 199 133 
			 2003 626 489 224 144 
		
	
	(53)These data are on the principal offence basis.

Identity Cards

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been conducted by (a) his Department and (b) its agencies into compatibility issues between the Facial Images National Database and the National Identity Register.

Des Browne: The Identity Cards Programme is actively researching the sets of standards which will need to be specified as requirements for the applicants' facial images. Both the Identity Cards Programme and the Facial Images National Database project are working towards adopting emerging international standards for best practice in facial image capture and storage. These come chiefly from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the US National Institute for Standards and Technology and the International Standards Organisation.

Identity Cards

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) civil servants, (b) secondees and (c) consultants are employed in developing identity cards; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: holding answer 17 January 2005
	The identity cards programme currently employs; 39 civil servants, two seconded staff and 45 consultants, on informing processes, policies and costs associated with the development of identity cards. Four of the civil servants work primarily on shorter term measures to counter identity fraud.

Identity Cards

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he expects the provisions for the introduction of identity cards in Wales to differ from those in the rest of the UK.

Des Browne: The identity cards scheme will operate on a UK-wide basis and the provisions for the introduction of identity cards will therefore apply throughout the UK, including in Wales. However, it would be for the National Assembly for Wales to decide whether, and if so how, production of a card will be required to access public services for which it is responsible.

It's Your Call

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what the estimated cost has been of (a) publishing and (b) delivering It's Your Call flyers; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the cost was of the It's Your Call launch in the North East on Monday 17 January 2005; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what the estimated cost is of (a) establishing and (b) maintaining the It's Your Call 0845 605 2222 telephone number; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  how much (a) bill board and (b) telephone box advertising space is being used to display It's Your Call advertising; where the sites are; how much the advertising space cost; and for how long each advertising space will be maintained.

Hazel Blears: It's Your Call was launched on Monday, 17 January 2005 in Newcastle and cost an estimated £1,800 for production of boards and advertising bikes. The estimated cost of (a) establishing (b) maintaining It's Your Call is £63,000 including all technology and call-centre costs. The cost of publishing the flyers is an estimated £70,000 and the estimated cost of distribution and storage is £50,000. 900 six sheet poster sites and advertising in 300 phone boxes have been booked and purchased through the Central Office for Information. The advertising space cost £366,731 to purchase and will be maintained for a period of four weeks in each area. Iwill supply full details of site locations to my hon. friend when the information is made available.

It's Your Call

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what discussions he had with Superintendent Thwaites prior to Southend-on-Sea police agreeing to become a Home Office Together Action Area and to take part in the first phase of the It's Your Call; when these dicussions took place; and how long they lasted;
	(2)  what discussions he had with Chief Constable Stevens prior to the agreement that Southend-on-Sea police would become a Home Office Together Action Area and take part in the first phase of the It's Your Call; when these discussions took place; and how long they lasted.

Hazel Blears: On the 9 of August 2004 the National Director for Anti-Social Behaviour wrote to all Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships requesting expressions of interest in being a Together Action Area. On the 13 of October 2004 during a visit to Southend, Officials from the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit (ASBU) and Southend Council agreed that Southend would become an Action Area. During the same visit officials also met with Chief Superintendent Thwaites and Superintendent Currell.
	On 30 of November Officials from ASBU agreed with Lee Harris, Assistant Chief Executive for Southend Council that Southend would be included in Phase 1 of It's Your Call.

Ministerial Security

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Home Secretary has different levels of security depending on whether he is on ministerial, constituency or private business.

Charles Clarke: We do not comment on personal security arrangements.

Parliamentary Questions

Peter Viggers: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons he has not yet provided substantive answers to questions reference 202178, 202631, 202632, 202633 and 202750.

Des Browne: holding answer 9 December 2004
	The former Home Secretary, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Brightside provided answers to questions 202178, 202631, 202632 and 202750 on 14 December 2004, Official Report, column 1020W and to 202633 on 15 December 2004, Official Report, column 1165W.

Police

Derek Conway: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were available for duty in the Metropolitan police area in (a) 1997, (b) 2001 and (c) 2005.

Hazel Blears: Information on the number of officers available for duty has only been collected since 2003 and is on the basis of headcount rather than full-time equivalent strength. Officers available for duty excludes those absent for career breaks, compassionate leave, maternity/paternity leave, special leave, study leave, long term sick leave and suspended officers. The number of officers available for duty is a snap shot of the position on 31 March: the number will vary from day to day. On 31 March 2004, the Metropolitan Police Service had a headcount strength of 29,534 officers available for duty.
	The table sets out the full-time equivalent strength of the Metropolitan Police Service. The latest available data on police numbers is for 31 August 2004.
	
		
			 As at 31 March Number of police officers 
		
		
			 1997 26,677 
			 2001 24,878 
			 2004 (31 August) 30,021 
		
	
	Full-time equivalent strength
	Following boundary changes on 1 April 2000 with Essex, Hertfordshire and Surrey, the Metropolitan police district was reduced in size and some resources were transferred to the other three forces. Metropolitan Police Service strength data prior to April 2000 is therefore not comparable with later information.

Police

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his Department plans to take in response to the findings of Professor Sir William Stewart on the low frequency of the new police communication system; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: We welcome the conclusion of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) in its report Mobile Phones and Health 2004" that the special features of TETRA technology used by the new police radio communication system are unlikely to prove a hazard to health. Sir William Stewart is Chairman of the NRPB. The report by the board of the NRPB raised no new issues specific to TETRA for further investigation: we will, however, continue with our comprehensive programme of research into previously identified areas of uncertainty.

Police

Mark Fisher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers have been available for duty in Stoke-on-Trent in each of the past five years.

Hazel Blears: Information on the number of officers available for duty has only been collected since 2003. The information is available only at force level and cannot be provided for Basic Command Units.
	Basic Command Unit police numbers have been collected since 2002. The table provides police officer strength for the Stoke-on-Trent Basic Command Unit.
	
		Stoke-on-Trent Division
		
			 As at 31 March: Number of officers 
		
		
			 2002 365 
			 2003 Not available 
			 2004 587 
		
	
	Full-time equivalent

Police

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of members of the police force in (a) Burnley and (b) Lancashire are community support officers; what powers community support officers have in Lancashire; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: The Home Office collects data for police personnel only down as far as basic command unit (BCU) level. Burnley is part of the Pennine Division (BCU).
	On 31 March 2004 (the latest date for which comprehensive data is published) Lancashire Constabulary had 3,550 police officers, 1,642 police staff (other than community support officers (CSOs) and traffic wardens), 110 CSOs and 17 traffic wardens. CSOs formed 2.07 per cent. of the total strength. There were also 336 special constables.
	Later data is available for police officers and CSOs in Lancashire. At the end of August 2004 there were 3,567 police officers and in December, 117 CSOs.
	The powers designated to CSOs in Lancashire Constabulary by the Chief Constable are: the power to issued fixed penalty notices, to deal with alcohol consumption in designated places; to confiscate alcohol from young persons; to enter and search any premises for the purpose of saving life and limb or preventing serious damage to property; to require the name and address of a person acting in an antisocial manner; to remove abandoned vehicles; to seize vehicles used to cause alarm and distress; to confiscate tobacco from children; and the power of detention for 30 minutes pending the arrival of a constable.

Police

Graham Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there were (a) in the Nottinghamshire Constabulary and (b) the City of Nottingham Division in each year since 1994; and what projections there are for numbers of officers in future years.

Hazel Blears: Information on police strength is set out in the table. Data on the number of officers in Basic Command Units has only been collected since 2002, but is only available for the city of Nottingham BCU from March 2003.
	
		Nottinghamshire Constabulary
		
			 Year (as at 31 March) Number of police officers Nottingham (C) Division—police officer numbers 
		
		
			 1994 2,328 — 
			 1995 2,319 — 
			 1996 2,318 — 
			 1997 2,323 — 
			 1998 2,323 — 
			 1999 2,225 — 
			 2000 2,204 — 
			 2001 2,212 — 
			 2002 2,330 Not available 
			 2003 2,411 821 
			 2004 2,484 855 
			 2004 (31 August) 2,523 Not available 
		
	
	Nottinghamshire Constabulary had record strength at the end of August 2004, which is supported by 69 community support officers.
	The Home Secretary has not set projections of police strength for future years for England and Wales, or for individual forces. The number of police officers in any force is a matter for the Chief Constable and the Police Authority, subject to the available budget provision

Police

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many enquiry and station police staff have been dismissed by (a) Essex police and (b) Southend police in each year since 1997;
	(2)  how many (a) general building staff and handymen, (b) plant maintenance staff and (c) estates managers have been dismissed by (i) Essex police and (ii)Southend police in each year since 1997;
	(3)  how many (a) firearms managers and (b) firearms clerks have been dismissed by (i) Essex police and (ii)Southend police in each year since 1997;
	(4)  how many (a) senior communications operators (Police), (b) communications operators (Police) and (c) communications officers have been dismissed by (i)Essex police and (ii) Southend police in each year since 1997;
	(5)  how many (a) central ticket unit managers, (b) central ticket clerks (speeding fines unit) and (c) fixed penalty notice processing unit staff have been dismissed by (i) Essex police and (ii) Southend police in each year since 1997;
	(6)  how many criminal justice police staff have been dismissed by (a) Essex police and (b) Southend police in each year since 1997.

Hazel Blears: This information is not centrally collected.

Police National Computer

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions the police national computer was accessed unlawfully in each of the last five years; and in how many cases those responsible were (a) prosecuted and (b) convicted.

Hazel Blears: The Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO), who are responsible for maintaining the police national computer (PNC), at Hendon, are unaware of any unlawful access to the PNC by its staff or members of the general public during the time period stated or before.
	Statistics recording the number of occasions a police officer has accessed the police national computer unlawfully and then been prosecuted and convicted for this offence in each of the last five years are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Police Retirement

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers have retired in each year since 1997, broken down by (a) rank and (b) police force area.

Hazel Blears: Figures on the number of police officer retirements in England and Wales between 1996–97 and 2003–04 are given in the table.
	These figures are for retirements with either an ordinary or ill-health pension and are broken down by (a) rank and (b) police force area respectively.
	
		Police officer retirements by rank in England and Wales 1996–97 to 2003–04
		
			  Chief constable Assistant chief constable ACPO Chief superintendent Superintendent 
		
		
			 1996–97 7 20 — — 206 
			 1997–98 7 13 — — 291 
			 1998–99 12 17 — — 180 
			 1999–00 8 24 — — 158 
			 2000–01 5 16 — — 156 
			 2001–02 4 15 — — 154 
			 2002–03(54) — — — — — 
			 2003–04(55) — — 18 58 74 
		
	
	
		
			  Chief inspector Inspector Sergeant Constable Total 
		
		
			 1996–97 210 537 863 2,512 4,355 
			 1997–98 238 562 928 2,639 4,678 
			 1998–99 171 443 778 2,511 4,112 
			 1999–00 149 421 758 2,411 3,929 
			 2000–01 148 430 780 2,269 3,804 
			 2001–02 136 395 841 2,530 4,075 
			 2002–03(54) — — — — — 
			 2003–04(55) 107 341 627 1,955 3,180 
		
	
	(54)Data is not available for all forces for 2002–03
	(55)No data provided by one force for second quarter
	Following changes to police personnel data collection, data on retirements by rank have been collected quarterly since 1 April 2002.
	
		Police officer retirements by police force area
		
			  1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 132 124 80 104 109 121 111 65 
			 Bedfordshire 32 46 49 39 31 26 32 27 
			 Cambridgeshire 46 34 46 37 28 43 44 41 
			 Cheshire 50 82 61 67 62 78 93 66 
			 City of London 21 38 27 29 26 32 22 26 
			 Cleveland 38 25 53 53 65 57 50 44 
			 Cumbria 58 45 36 50 41 30 37 32 
			 Derbyshire 65 77 50 36 37 56 78 54 
			 Devon and Cornwall 114 111 96 112 108 96 100 87 
			 Dorset 48 88 45 49 54 58 36 45 
			 Durham 47 51 32 32 35 51 52 40 
			 Dyfed Powys 26 25 20 31 30 21 35 25 
			 Essex 75 100 96 99 75 72 80 87 
			 Gloucestershire 45 56 51 36 35 49 48 23 
			 Greater Manchester 319 329 282 235 239 176 198 140 
			 Gwent 46 32 28 49 43 79 46 49 
			 Hampshire 79 70 67 129 107 121 132 109 
			 Hertfordshire 54 51 45 67 48 65 52 46 
			 Humberside 64 83 64 76 74 64 61 47 
			 Kent 80 89 79 102 103 139 106 94 
			 Lancashire(56) 59 111 75 78 105 107 n/a 79 
			 Leicestershire 51 59 47 46 56 52 58 38 
			 Lincolnshire 42 33 49 58 45 50 47 33 
			 Merseyside 217 151 112 116 124 163 154 112 
			 Metropolitan Police 910 983 1,065 815 686 717 651 579 
			 Norfolk 65 66 47 45 49 51 65 32 
			 Northamptonshire 24 44 16 25 26 28 31 27 
			 Northumbria 136 151 115 103 91 107 106 97 
			 North Wales 59 46 62 49 60 51 52 6 
			 North Yorkshire 50 38 29 51 55 53 36 41 
			 Nottinghamshire 71 92 82 67 75 87 88 79 
			 South Wales 119 136 139 105 131 101 103 108 
			 South Yorkshire 67 92 100 100 104 133 106 101 
			 Staffordshire 86 126 69 51 50 63 79 58 
			 Suffolk 55 51 26 37 52 36 46 36 
			 Surrey 56 73 50 54 52 62 57 44 
			 Sussex 141 128 127 107 106 98 90 88 
			 Thames Valley 125 123 92 109 91 104 128 108 
			 Warwickshire 26 45 42 25 33 27 29 26 
			 West Mercia 83 69 71 79 114 80 75 59 
			 West Midlands 247 294 203 184 158 216 196 156 
			 West Yorkshire 160 163 142 153 158 223 177 140 
			 Wiltshire 67 48 45 40 33 32 44 29 
			 Total 4,355 4,678 4,112 3,929 3,804 4,075 3,831 3,223 
		
	
	(56)Data for 2002–03 not available

Police Stations

Andrew Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) rural police stations and (b) beat houses have closed in each year since 1997.

Hazel Blears: This information is not held centrally.

Prison Service

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds of (a) cost and (b) anticipated benefit the decision was made to extend the programme of performance testing in the Prison Service to establishments that are not designated as failing.

Paul Goggins: The Prison Service has no plans to extend performance testing to establishments that are not failing. Performance testing has proved to be an extremely successful mechanism for driving improvement in poor performing establishments. Although the National Offender Management Service has announced that the formal programme of performance testing will cease with the return of market testing, the Prison Service will retain performance testing as part of an internal performance improvement programme designed to help the Service compete effectively in the more contestable environment. Any poor performing establishment that fails to recognise the need for change and therefore presents a poor prospect at any future market test may be performance tested.

Sentencing (Costs)

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what the average cost per annum of supervising an individual on a community punishment order in England and Wales was in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  what the average cost per annum of supervising an individual on a community rehabilitation order in England and Wales was in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(3)  what the average cost per annum of supervising an individual on community rehabilitation and community punishment order in England and Wales was in the latest period for which figures are available.

Paul Goggins: holding answer 10 January 2004
	The average budgeted cost per annum of supervising an individual on the following orders is as follows.
	
		£
		
			  Cost 
		
		
			 Community Punishment Order 1,890 
			 Community Rehabilitation Order 2,830 
			 Community Punishment and Rehabilitation Order 2,750 
		
	
	These figures cover all local Probation Boards' costs including the cost of probation officer training. These figures are derived from a costing exercise undertaken for the first time in 2003–04 by the 42 local boards.

Sex Abuse (Historical Cases)

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  whether the Senior Investigation Officers' Manual has been amended to specify that any initial approach by the police to former residents of care homes should be no more than a general invitation to provide information to the investigation team;
	(2)  what guidance was available to police forces involved in historical sex abuse operations prior to the introduction of the Senior Investigations Officers' handbook in 2002.

Hazel Blears: The Senior Investigations Handbook served to bring together existing guidance on investigations generally and for investigating child abuse, including where allegations are made about historical incidents. This included the Working Together Guidance which has a chapter dedicated to historical allegations and the Manual for Senior Investigation Officers managing Major Incidents—Major Incident Rooms: the Standardisation of Administrative Procedures for the Management of Serious and Series Crime.
	The Government's Response to the Home Affairs Committee's Report published in April 2003 indicated that the Senior Investigations Handbook already included guidance that the SIO in any case must always record, as a matter of routine, justification for using the dip sampling or investigation method for making initial approaches to former residents of care homes.
	The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has established a multi-agency working group to review the SIO Handbook which was produced in 2002. That review group has cognisance of all recommendations made by the Committee and in particular on-going concerns raised by my hon. Friend and will ensure amendments in line with police investigative policy. This will include adding further safeguards to the initial approach for evidence as considered by the group. I understood that the chair of that group has now invited my hon. Friend to present her concerns to the group in person.

Special Constables

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special constables there were in the Pennine division of Lancashire constabulary in each year since 1995.

Hazel Blears: Statistics for the number of special constables in each force basic command unit are not collected by the Home Office. Since 1998 data on the strength of special constabularies have been published annually in Home Office statistical bulletins on police service strength, copies of which are available in the Library. The total number of special constables in Lancashire constabulary from 1995–2004 is as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 31 March 1995 608 
			 31 March 1996 553 
			 31 March 1997 483 
			 31 March 1998 489 
			 31 March 1999 449 
			 31 March 2000 382 
			 31 March 2001 360 
			 31 March 2002 363 
			 31 March 2003 351 
			 31 March 2004 336

Standard List Offences

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been convicted of a standard list offence, broken down by (a) gender, (b) age on appearance in court and (c) previous convictions; and what sentences each received.

Paul Goggins: The available information contained in the table gives the number of offenders found guilty at all courts of a standard list offence, sentenced and the sentences they received, England and Wales 2003.
	Information on sentencing by previous convictions was last published in chapter 9 of Criminal statistics, England and Wales 2000 (cm 5312). This was based on a sample of offenders sentenced in 2000. Updated information, for those sentenced in 2001 and 2002 will be published in Sentencing Statistics, England and Wales, 2003 next month.
	
		Number of persons proceeded against at magistrates courts, found guilty and sentenced at all courts for standard list offences1.2 England and Wales 2003 Sentence breakdown
		
			 Sex/age group Proceeded against Found guilty Sentenced Absolute/ conditional discharge Fine Community sentence Fully suspended sentence Immediate custody Otherwise dealt with 
		
		
			 Males  
			 Aged 10–11 1,206 711 711 91 5 588 n/a — 27 
			 Aged 12–14 18,461 11,787 11,787 1,298 257 9,188 n/a 543 501 
			 Aged 15–17 74,041 47,435 47,424 5,354 3,997 31,138 n/a 5,154 1,781 
			 Aged 18–20 99,484 70,062 69,662 9,493 21,793 21,918 n/a 14,208 2,250 
			 21 and over 465,374 328,099 327,277 43,005 109,214 85,711 2,004 76,724 10,619 
			 Total 658,566 458,094 456,861 59,241 135,266 148,543 2,004 96,629 15,178 
			 Females 
			 Aged 10–11 131 87 87 6 — 72 n/a — 9 
			 Aged 12–14 3,737 2,465 2,465 300 21 1,975 n/a 69 100 
			 Aged 15–17 11,109 7,232 7,233 911 318 5,362 n/a 352 290 
			 Aged 18–20 12,165 8,424 8,410 2,175 2,098 2,870 n/a 966 301 
			 21 and over 74,560 52,539 52,506 12,167 14,973 15,607 587 7,283 1,889 
			 Total 101,702 70,747 70,701 15,559 17,410 25,886 587 8,670 2,589 
			 Total  
			 Aged 10–11 1,337 798 798 97 5 660 n/a — 36 
			 Aged 12–14 22,198 14,252 14,252 1,598 278 11,163 n/a 612 601 
			 Aged 15–17 85,150 54,667 54,657 6,265 4,315 36,500 n/a 5,506 2,071 
			 Aged 18–20 111,649 78,486 78,072 11,668 23,891 24,788 n/a 15,174 2,551 
			 21 and over 539,934 380,638 379,783 55,172 124,187 101,318 2,591 84,007 12,508 
			 Total 760,268 528,841 527,562 74,800 152,676 174,429 2,591 105,299 17,767 
		
	
	n/a = Not applicable.
	(57)These data are on the principal offence basis.
	(58)Standard list offence (all indictable, all triable either way offences and some of the more serious summary offences such as common assault and driving while disqualified or under the influence of drugs or alcohol).

Stansted Hijack

Bob Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the Afghans who landed at Stansted on a hijacked plane remain in the UK; and what support they are receiving.

Des Browne: Of those who claimed asylum, 80 remain in the UK. They have been supported under section 111 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, which allows grants to voluntary organisations. At present those who are still receiving support are housed in accommodation provided by the refugee arrivals project, which is one of the six voluntary organisations grant funded by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) for the provision of advice and support services for asylum seekers. Some of the Afghans are receiving income support. Those who are not receiving income support are provided with an additional cash allowance funded by NASS to meet their essential living needs.

Violent Crime (Thames Valley)

David Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about current levels of violent crime in the Thames Valley; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: The Home Office has had not had any representations about the current level of violent crime in the Thames Valley area. The British Crime Survey which is the most reliable long-term indicator of underlying trends in violence suggests that nationally the levels of violent crime are stable, levelling off after significant falls—36 per cent. since a peak in 1995 and 26 per cent. since 1997. The most recent statistics show that violent crime has continued to fall by 9 per cent. in the year ending September 2004 but this is not statistically significant.
	The Government remain committed to tackling violent crime and encourage local crime and disorder reduction partnerships to work together to tackle local problems.
	The Thames Valley area has a number of initiatives designed to do just this. Examples include:
	In Oxford
	A Nightsafe project established to encourage safe drinking including: working with licencees; door staff issues; transport for faster and safer journeys home and other factors facing the night-time economy.
	A dedicated Domestic Violence Unit has been established to provide services to victims of domestic violence.
	High visibility patrols to tackle robbery in 'hotspot' areas.
	Personal safety projects for children.
	A bespoke 'Operation Redcard' in the hon. Member's constituency of Witney.
	In Slough
	A staggered closing scheme reducing the number of people leaving licensed premises at any one time.
	More police officers to continue to drive down alcohol-related violence in the town centre.
	Operation Crater involves high visibility foot patrols in the High Street on Friday and Saturday nights.
	Recent initiatives under Pub Watch have including the winding down of cheap drink promotions, premises holding photographs of people banned for causing trouble, and the expansion of searching at the door of all club-goers for weapons and/or drugs.
	CCTV is also being used to identify potential disorder.
	In Reading
	A one-stop shop has been created to deal with domestic violence, which includes encouraging reporting of hitherto under-reported crimes.

Visa Applications

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if the Senior Director of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in charge of Managed Migration was aware of Ms Casalme's visa application before 12 May 2003;
	(2)  whether the Senior Director of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in charge of Asylum Support, Casework and Appeals was aware of Ms Casalme's visa application before 12 May 2003;
	(3)  whether the Director General of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate was aware of Ms Casalme's visa application before 12 May 2003;
	(4)  whether the Minister of State for Citizenship and Immigration was aware of Ms Casalme's visa application before 12 May 2003;
	(5)  whether the Permanent Secretary of the Department was aware of Ms Casalme's visa application before 12 May 2003;
	(6)  on how many occasions members of the Home Secretary's office staff met with (a) Mrs Quinn and (b) her representatives.
	(7)  how many Home Office representatives have met (a) Mrs. Quinn and (b) her representatives in an official capacity; and what were the (i) reasons for, (ii)times of and (iii) locations of each of these meetings were;
	(8)  if he will publish Leoncia Casalme's Home Office documentation file, subject to redaction to ensure MsCasalme's privacy;
	(9)  how many of his Department's officials were aware that Leoncia Casalme's visa application had been read by the Home Secretary or was in some way connected to him;
	(10)  for what reason Leoncia Casalme's indefinite leave to remain was granted before the four-year qualifying period had elapsed;
	(11)  whether (a) the Home Secretary and (b) his officials (i) made, (ii) recommended and (iii) suggested changes to Leoncia Casalme's visa application form;
	(12)  how the decision to put Leoncia Casalme's application into the fast-track scheme was made;
	(13)  if he will list the (a) name and (b) job title of each Home Office official who worked on the application for indefinite leave to remain made by Miss Leoncia Casalme in 2003;
	(14)  whether the Immigration and Nationality Directorate was contacted by officials in his Department concerning the application for indefinite leave to remain by Miss Leoncia Casalme in 2003;
	(15)  whether he was informed that his Department was informing applicants for indefinite leave to remain that their applications faced a delay of up to 12 months in April 2003.

Charles Clarke: Sir Alan Budd was asked to conduct a review of the handling by the Home Office of the application for indefinite leave to remain by Leoncia Casalme in April 2003.
	Sir Alan covered the relevant issues in the course of his review.

Visa Applications

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many applications were put into the official visa fast-track scheme;
	(2)  how long the average wait for a visa has been under the new fast-track scheme;
	(3)  when the first visa was awarded under the fast-track scheme to clear the backlog;
	(4)  how many indefinite leave to remain visa applicants were told that they would have to wait and were then awarded those visas under his Department's official fast-track scheme to clear the backlog in 2003;
	(5)  how many applications for indefinite leave to remain based on the four-year qualifying residency period were eligible for the new fast-track scheme in 2003.

Charles Clarke: It had for some time been the practice to decide a significant proportion of applications on initial consideration. On 11 April 2003, prior to the introduction of charging on 1 August 2003, new guidance was issued encouraging caseworkers in Managed Migration to take more decisions at the point of initial consideration.
	Between 11 April and 1 August 2003, 80,380 Leave to Remain (LTR) and 28,805 Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications (5,770 of which were based on the four-year residency period) were submitted by post. All of these would have been considered under the revised guidance.
	For those LTR applications from that period where a decision has been made, the average processing time was 40 days. For those ILR applications from that period where a decision has been made, the average processing time was 50 days.
	The target for applications received at the Public Enquiry Office is that they will be concluded on the same day.
	Information on how many applicants would have received a notification advising of a possible delay to the processing of their applications is not collated centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	The processing time is taken as the period between the date that the application was received in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate until the dispatch date. These figures are based on unvalidated information drawn from internal management systems, and there may be some data quality variations.
	Figures have been rounded to the nearest five.

Visa Applications

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average processing time for an indefinite leave to remain visa based on the four-year residency requirement period was in the last period for which figures are available.

Charles Clarke: The average processing time for cases received by post in the period between August 2003 and November 2004 was 30 days for charged applications and 135 days for non-charged applications.
	Applications received in the Public Enquiry Office (PEO) are expected to be completed in the same day. In the same period, 99 per cent. of charged cases and 60 per cent. of non charged cases in PEO were completed in a single day. For the PEO applications not completed on the same day the average processing time was 25 days for charged cases and 110 days for non charged applications.
	These figures are based on invalidated information drawn from internal management systems, and there may be some data quality variations.
	Figures have been rounded to the nearest five.

Visa Applications

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many indefinite leave to remain applications have been refused for not fulfilling the four-year residency requirement in each year since 1997, broken down by month.

Charles Clarke: Data for each month from 1997 to 2003 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The available data relate to refusals of settlement where the application is premature or inappropriate and will include varying residency requirements.
	
		Refusals of settlement, premature or inappropriate application(59)(5507300060), in the United Kingdom, excluding EEA nationals, 1997 to 2003
		
			  Number of decisions 
		
		
			 1997 210 
			 1998 220 
			 1999 75 
			 2000 185 
			 2001 210 
			 2002 175 
			 2003(61) 370 
		
	
	(59)These data relate to all refusals of premature or inappropriate applications, not just those not fulfilling the four-year residency requirement.
	(60)Excludes dependants of principal applicants, the outcome of appeals and withdrawn applications.
	(61)Provisional data.
	Note:
	Figures rounded to the nearest 5

Visa Applications

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many indefinite leave to remain visas on the basis of the four-year residency requirement were granted in total in each year since 1997, broken down by month.

Charles Clarke: The information requested is set out in the following table.
	
		Grants of settlement for selected categories of grant(62)(5507300063), excluding EEA nationals, 1997–2003
		
			  Number of applications granted 
		
		
			 1997 9,910 
			 1998 11,230 
			 1999 11,480 
			 2000 15,610 
			 2001 15,255 
			 2002 19,800 
			 2003(64) 29,635 
		
	
	(62)Grants of settlement following four years with a work permit, permit free employment, businessmen, persons of independent means and Commonwealth citizens with a UK born grandparent taking or seeking employment. Includes their spouses and dependants.
	(63)Excludes asylum related grants.
	(64)Provisional data.
	Note:
	Figures rounded to nearest 5.
	Data for each month from 1997–2003 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Visa Applications

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many indefinite leave to remain visas have been granted before the end of the four-year residency requirement period in each year since 1997, broken down by month.

Charles Clarke: Data of this nature is not collated centrally, and would be available only at disproportionate cost.

Visa Applications

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) median, (b) shortest and (c) longest length of time taken to complete the processing of a visa application has been since 1997.

Charles Clarke: The information requested on Leave to Remain (LTR) and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications, is set out in the table.
	
		Days
		
			  Shortest Median Longest 
		
		
			 Leave to remain
			 2002 Less than 1 35 1,035 
			 2003 Less than 1 15 675 
			 2004 Less than 1 15 335 
			 
			 Indefinite leave to remain 
			 2002 Less than 1 40 1,045 
			 2003 Less than 1 15 335 
			 2004 Less than 1 25 690 
		
	
	Notes:
	1.Comparable data is not available prior to 2002 due to changes in data recording between old and existing databases.
	2.The information for 2004 is for the period between 1 January 2004 and 6 December 2004.
	3.The processing time is taken as the period between the date on which the application was received and the date on which a decision was dispatched.
	4.These figures are based on unvalidated information drawn from internal management systems, and there may be data quality variations.
	5.Figures have been rounded to the nearest five.

Visa Applications

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long the average visa application took in the latest period for which figures are available.

Charles Clarke: The information requested is set out in the table.
	
		Mean processing time of leave to remain (LTR) and indefinite leave to remain applications (ILR)
		
			  LTR (days) ILR (days) 
		
		
			 2002 85 110 
			 2003 40 60 
			 2004 30 45 
		
	
	Comparable data is not available prior to 2002 due to changes in data recording between old and existing databases. The information for 2004 is for the period between 1 January 2004 and 6 December 2004.
	The processing time is taken as the period between the date on which the application was received and the date on which a decision was dispatched.
	These figures are based on invalidated information drawn from internal management systems, and there may be data quality variations.
	Figures have been rounded to the nearest five.

Visa Applications

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many visa applications have been (a) made and (b) approved in each year since 1997, broken down by month and type of visa.

Charles Clarke: The available statistics relate to applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and Leave to Remain (LTR), and are given as follows. Data for each month could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Information on applications made is not published or available for the period requested.
	
		Grants of settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) by category of grant, excluding EEA nationals, 1997–2003—United Kingdom -- Number of persons
		
			 Category of grant 1997(65) 1998(65) 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003(66) 
		
		
			 Grants in own right or on a discretionary basis (excluding spouses and dependants) 
			 On completion of four years:
			 In employment with a work permit 2,845 3,155 3,285 4,455 4,335 5,845 9,190 
			 In permit free employment(67) 705 855 700 1,415 890 980 1,325 
			 As business or self employed, or as persons of independent means 265 200 130 260 160 115 230 
			 Commonwealth citizens with a United Kingdom-born grandparent, taking or seeking employment 1,110 1,675 2,240 2,580 3,255 4,060 5,275 
			 British Overseas citizens with special vouchers 220 170 220 160 140 60 (68)— 
			 Refugees and persons given exceptional leave to remain 4,830 6,675 22,505 25,355 17,965 18,235 12,580 
			 of which:
			 Recognised refugees(69) 2,405 4,270 22,505 25,355 17,965 10,955 5,265 
			 Persons given exceptional leave to remain 2,425 2,405 — — — 7,280 7,310 
			 Other grants on a discretionary basis 2,160 3,700 2,580 6,150 4,190 6,730 11,235 
			 Total granted in own right or on a discretionary basis(70) 12,145 16,435 31,665 40,380 30,935 36,020 39,830 
			 
			 Spouses and dependants  
			 Husbands:
			 Settled on arrival 15 10 15 25 55 45 85 
			 Settled on removal of time limit: 11,240 13,620 15,370 15,730 17,780 16,640 19,495 
			 of which:
			 On basis of marriage(71) 10,700 13,010 14,565 14,460 16,850 15,470 17,285 
			 At same time as wife 540 610 805 1,270 930 1,170 2,210 
			 Total husbands 11,260 13,635 15,385 15,755 17,835 16,685 19,580 
			 Wives:
			 Settled on arrival 150 125 150 165 240 190 230 
			 Settled on removal of time limit: 20,250 22,165 24,800 30,750 30,745 30,535 37,790 
			 of which:
			 On basis of marriage(71) 16,160 18,390 19,945 24,100 26,590 24,930 30,565 
			 At same time as husband 4,090 3,775 4,855 6,655 4,155 5,605 7,225 
			 Total wives 20,400 22,290 24,950 30,920 30,985 30,725 38,020 
			 Children:
			 Settled on arrival 1,535 1,430 1,710 1,520 1,730 1,505 1,355 
			 Settled on removal of time limit: 9,985 10,850 17,725 27,485 18,400 19,725 26,065 
			 of which:
			 With parent accepted on basis of marriage 1,395 1,615 2,005 3,580 3,830 3,420 4,560 
			 Other 8,590 9,235 15,720 23,900 14,570 16,305 21,505 
			 Total children 11,520 12,280 19,435 29,005 20,130 21,235 27,420 
			 
			 Parents and grandparents joining children or grandchildren:
			 On arrival 295 285 265 265 295 215 70 
			 On removal of time limit 885 1,050 815 2,175 1,465 1,530 3,020 
			 Other and unspecified dependants(72) 1,870 3,510 4,380 7,150 6,600 6,940 6,905 
			 Total spouses and dependants 46,230 53,045 65,225 85,265 77,305 77,335 95,020 
			 
			 Claim to right of abode upheld and other grants 350 310 230 295 170 120 130 
			 
			 Category unknown * * * * * 2,490 6,510 
			 
			 All grants 58,725 69,790 97,115 125,945 108,410 115,965 141,490 
		
	
	* = not applicable.
	(65)Includes a small number of EEA nationals.
	(66)Provisional.
	(67)Includes ministers of religion, writers and artists. Includes also EC nationals up to 1993, and EEA nationals from 1994 accepted on employment grounds.
	(68)Two or less.
	(69)Includes persons granted settlement under measures aimed at reducing the pre-July backlog as announced in the White Paper in July 1998. The 1999 figures may be underestimates.
	(70)Includes Commonwealth citizens ordinarily resident on 1 January 1973 and for five years.
	(71)Includes unmarried partners.
	(72)Includes those dependants of port asylum seekers given indefinite leave to enter (since 27 July 1998).
	
		Grants of extensions of leave to remain(73)(5507300074) in the United Kingdom by category, excluding EEA nationals, 1997–2003—United Kingdom -- Number of grants
		
			 Category 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003(75) 
		
		
			 All decisions 117,355 103,085 109,040 157,650 189,145 244,400 356,310 
			 Visitors 8,580 9,130 8,440 11,700 13,060 14,060 14,020 
			 Working holidaymakers 265 280 200 210 1,255 2,630 405 
			 Students 52,090 45,100 51,185 70,615 83,180 121,655 184,770 
			 Trainees 8,610 8,180 8,040 8,660 8,160 7,915 10,705 
			 Au Pairs 825 720 400 230 320 195 130 
			 Work permit holders 10,380 12,045 13,775 26,190 43,240 53,170 73,330 
			 Permit free employment(76) 4,930 4,325 4,095 5,460 5,845 6,620 10,305 
			 Independent means 35 35 20 20 20 5 5 
			 Business(77) 270 280 265 1,710 5,270 9,875 24,795 
			 Fiance"(e)s 50 30 35 70 65 75 120 
			 Spouse (probationary period applications)(78) 15,865 15,610 16,285 26,410 23,060 18,500 22,635 
			 Other limited leave 15,455 7,345 6,305 6,360 5,680 8,745 10,810 
			 Category unknown — — — — — 960 4,285 
		
	
	(73)Excludes dependants of principal applicants, asylum related decisions, the outcome of appeals and withdrawn applications.
	(74)Excludes settlement.
	(75)Provisional.
	(76)Includes writers and artists.
	(77)Includes investors and innovators.
	(78)Data include unmarried partners.

Yarl's Wood

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions took place between him, the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and Group 4 Amey Immigration Ltd. about the development of policies in respect of high risk detainees prior to the opening of the Yarl's Wood Detention Centre; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: There were regular meetings between Immigration and Nationality Directorate officials and Group 4 Amey International Ltd. to discuss operational issues prior to the opening of Yarl's Wood. We were committed to ensuring spaces at Yarl's Wood were used appropriately, and this would include the transfer of immigration detainees from Prison Service establishments who were deemed suitable for this accommodation.

Zimbabwe

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the recommendations made by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees that all removals to Zimbabwe should be suspended;
	(2)  what representations he has received on deportations of failed asylum seekers to Zimbabwe.

Des Browne: We have received over 80 representations, mostly from members of the public, opposing the ending of the temporary suspension of enforced returns of failed asylum seekers to Zimbabwe.
	The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has based its recommendations on a broad assessment of conditions in Zimbabwe generally. Asylum and human rights decisions are not based on general conditions in a country, they are made case by case according to the risk that the individual applicant would face. Asylum and human rights claims by Zimbabwean nationals are considered on their individual merits in accordance with our obligations under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). As with any other nationality, Zimbabweans who meet the definition of a refugee in the 1951 Convention are granted asylum. If they do not qualify for asylum, but there are other circumstances that make them particularly vulnerable and engage our obligations under the ECHR, they are granted humanitarian protection or discretionary leave. If their application is refused, they have a right of appeal to the independent appellate authorities. In this way we ensure that we provide protection to those Zimbabweans who need it.
	Each application is considered against the background of the latest available country information from a wide range of reliable sources including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, other international organisations, non-governmental organisations, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the media. Decisions are based on the specific circumstances of the individual concerned. It is clear that there are Zimbabweans in need of international protection, but if an asylum and human rights claim is refused, and any appeal to the independent appellate authorities is unsuccessful, that means that it would be safe for that particular individual to return to Zimbabwe.
	Voluntary returns have continued throughout the period that enforced returns were temporarily suspended. There is no evidence to suggest that voluntary returnees or those whose return has been enforced since the suspension was ended have suffered any mistreatment on return.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Anticipatory Self-Defence

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreignand Commonwealth Affairs whether it is the Government's policy to support the doctrine of anticipatory self-defence in the context of international affairs.

Douglas Alexander: Article 51 of the UN Charter provides that,
	Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations".
	That right of self-defence is not limited to a response to an actual armed attack. It has been the consistent position of successive United Kingdom Governments over many years that the right of self-defence under international law includes the right to use force where an armed attack is imminent.

Asian Tsunami (Islamic Fundamentalism)

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government have made of the impact of the Asian tsunami on levels of Islamic fundamentalism in South East Asia in the (a) short term and (b) medium to long term; and what plans have been made to discuss this issue with the (i) Thai and (ii) Indonesian Governments.

Douglas Alexander: The efforts of the British Government in the time since the tsunami occurred on 26 December have been in assisting governments in the area, with other international partners, in the immediate crisis. We have made no assessment of the impact of this on Islamic fundamentalism. We have a good dialogue with the Thai and Indonesian Government on these issues, and will continue to discuss these issues with them.

Asylum Seekers

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it remains the Government's position that the UK retains the right to decide whether to opt in to EU asylum measures, as set out in his oral answer of 16 December 2003, Official Report, column 1427, following the European Commission's statement on 24 January on asylum policy.

Denis MacShane: Yes.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the EU embargo on the sale of arms to Burma extends to components that can be used for the manufacture of military equipment.

Douglas Alexander: Yes. I refer the hon. Member to Council Common Position 2004/423/CFSP.
	Paragraph 2 (a) of Article 3 prohibits:
	to grant, sell, supply, or transfer technical assistance, brokering services and other services related to military activities and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of arms and related material of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned, as well as equipment which might be used for internal repression, directly or indirectly to any persons, entity or body in, or for use in Burma/Myanmar."

Chagos Islanders

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a summary of the advice of Government lawyers in the judicial review case concerning the Orders in Council affecting the Chagos islanders.

Bill Rammell: The advice requested is subject to legal professional privilege. In any event, this matter remains before the court.

Indonesia

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether weapons exported by British companies to Indonesia have been used in internal repression in the last year, with particular reference to the statement made by Colonel Sudarsono relating to the use made of scorpion tanks.

Douglas Alexander: Our embassy in Jakarta continually assesses whether weapons exported by British companies to Indonesia have been used in breach of human rights. To do this it receives information from a wide range of sources including international agencies, NGOs, other observers, the media and the Indonesian Government. In the last year there have been no confirmed reports that British-built military equipment has been used for internal repression. We follow up all credible allegations on the misuse of British military equipment.

Iraq

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons oil production supplies in Iraq have not been properly metered; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: Installation of oil metering equipment is an important measure to preserve Iraq's oil resources.
	Prior to military action in Iraq there were no functioning meters in the Iraqi oil system. At the handover of authority on 28 June 2004 the issue remained outstanding. Currently Iraqi oil exports, either by pipeline to Ceyhan in Turkey or by tanker through the Arabian Gulf, are metered as they pass into the receiving tanks.
	The Iraqi Ministry of Oil is responsible for ensuring meters are installed on Iraq's oil wellheads. The Ministry has established a committee to develop and install a metering system for the entire Iraqi oil industry. However a comprehensive system to measure crude oil output is a complex task beginning in the oil fields themselves. This involves conducting a design study that will identify the type of meters and their locations required for measuring crude oil.

Iraq

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government in Iraq that is formed after the 30 January elections will represent the vote in the elections; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: Elections for the 275-member Transitional National Assembly (TNA) were held on 30 January, under the single national constituency proportional representation system. Under the transitional administrative law, the TNA will elect a three person presidency, which will appoint a Prime Minister. The Cabinet recommended by the Prime Minister must be endorsed by the TNA and presidency.

Iraq

Mohammad Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreignand Commonwealth Affairs what assistance his Department is providing to enable UK-resident Iraqis to participate in the forthcoming election in Iraq.

Bill Rammell: Out of country voting (OCV) for the Iraqi elections was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Following consultation with Iraqi groups in the UK, the IOM established polling centres in London, Manchester and Glasgow. The Government do not have a direct role in OCV, although British officials have met regularly with IOM officials in support of the process. So far the IOM has not requested any specific help from the Government.

Lost IT Resources

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what IT resources have (a) gone missing and (b) been stolen from his Department in the last three years.

Bill Rammell: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) maintains an inventory of its IT items with the relevant custodians using a barcode system. The records held centrally only record items worth £3,000 or more which meets the threshold for recording FCO assets and meets FCO fixed assets policy and follows government guidelines.
	Only custodians hold full inventories detailing all items held by the missions/FCO buildings, including loss and/or theft records. The National Audit Office and Internal Auditors ensure FCO property is properly accounted for by regularly visiting overseas missions. We would therefore need to undertake a global audit of overseas missions and FCO buildings in order to obtain a full list of the items that are either missing or stolen. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Middle East

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Palestinian authorities to establish the whereabouts and fate of missing Israeli service personnel; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: We have not made any representations to the Palestinian Authority regarding missing Israeli service personnel. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has stated that it is in the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians to put an end to the bloodshed and to return to the Roadmap.
	With regard to the disappearance of Ron Arad, shot down over Lebanon in 1982, we have not raised this with the Palestinians because we have no reason to believe they have any knowledge of what happened to him. However, the Foreign Secretary discussed Mr. Arad's disappearance with the Iranian Foreign Minister in January 2000. Officials in our Embassies in Beirut and Damascus have also sought information on Mr. Arad's case; most recently with the Lebanese Government in February 2004.

Pakistan

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to authorities in Pakistan regarding their decision to re-instate the death penalty for child offenders; and if he will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: In December 2004 the Lahore High Court annulled the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance 2000 which, if implemented, would effectively reinstate the possibility of the death sentence for juvenile offenders in Punjab province of Pakistan. On 17 December 2004 the EU made a demarche to the Pakistan authorities to raise their concerns on this and other human rights concerns. Officials from our high commission in Islamabad have also raised this bilaterally with Pakistani officials. The UK is entirely opposed to the death penalty, which it considers to be a cruel and inhuman punishment, and notes that the imposition of the death penalty on those under 18 at the time of the crime is contrary to the Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Pakistan is a signatory. We hope that steps can be taken by the relevant Pakistani authorities to ensure that the death penalty for juvenile offenders is not reinstated as a result of this recent annulment by the Lahore High Court.

Translation Contracts

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many tenders have been put out for (a) translation and (b) interpreting contracts for international events hosted by the UK in 2005.

Bill Rammell: One call for tender has been issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the Official Journal of the European Union for a contract to provide translation services (approximately 1,200,000 words) for the EU Presidency website. Other smaller-scale translation assignments will be handled by the FCO's in-house translation and interpreting service.
	Large-scale interpreting requirements for the UK Presidency of the European Union will be covered by the European Commission's own interpreting service. Smaller-scale interpreting requirements will be administered by the FCO's in-house translation and interpreting service using teams of individual freelance interpreters. No calls for tenders have therefore been issued in respect of contracts for interpreting services.

United Nations

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what requests for assistance he has received from United Nations authorities investigating the provenance of surveillance devices discovered at the Geneva headquarters in December 2004.

Bill Rammell: We are not aware of any requests for assistance.

United Nations

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the report of the high level panel on reform of the United Nations.

Bill Rammell: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister strongly welcomed the report in his statement on 1 December. A copy of the Prime Minister's statement is available on the No. 10 website: www.primeminister.gov.uk/speeches/2004speeches. We believe the report is an impressive contribution to the debate on UN reform. The report sets out a vision for a proactive UN addressing the broad range of threats to the modern world which matches UK priorities. We believe it is particularly important that the report has recognised that sustainable security and sustainable development are linked and cannot be achieved independently.
	We will also launch a public debate on the report, which will be published as a command paper.

Uzbekistan

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights about the possibility of a visit to Uzbekistan to study the human rights situation there.

Bill Rammell: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had a general discussion with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR), Louise Arbour, shortly after she had taken office last autumn. The specific case of Uzbekistan did not arise in that context.
	We are unaware of any plans on the part of the UNCHR to visit Uzbekistan.
	The former Deputy UNCHR, Bertrand Ramcharan, visited Uzbekistan in March 2003 as part of an official trip to the five Central Asian states to enhance dialogue and technical cooperation. The visit came also as follow-up to the Secretary-General's visit to the region in October 2002.
	In addition, we have told the Uzbeks that we stand ready to assist the Uzbek Government in their efforts to meet the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. We recently received an update on activities implemented under the Uzbek National Action Plan on Torture. We are looking at this latest update with our EU partners to consider how we can work with the Uzbek Government to achieve further progress.

Vietnam

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what discussions he has had with the EU Commissioner for External Affairs on the treatment of Pastor Nguyen Quang in Vietnam; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what representations he has made to the Vietnam Government about the treatment of Pastor Nguyen Quang; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what representations he has made to his European counterparts concerning an EU-wide demarche to the Government of Vietnam on the case of the imprisoned human rights activist Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang.

Douglas Alexander: We and our EU partners regularly discuss human rights issues with the Vietnamese Government. These discussions include religious freedom issues. With EU partners, we raise our concerns in the EU's regular formal human rights dialogue with the Vietnamese Government. We also regularly raise our concerns bilaterally.
	The most recent meeting of the EU-Vietnam dialogue on human rights issues was held on 17 December 2004 and was attended by our ambassador in Hanoi. Freedom of religion, restrictions on religious organisations, the situation of protestant groups, and fair trial procedures were among the concerns raised by the EU side. We will continue to press the Vietnamese Government to adhere to its international human rights obligations at every suitable opportunity.
	We also participate in regular EU political and human rights working groups in Hanoi. We are aware of Pastor Quang's case and will continue to monitor it with our EU partners.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Admissions Criteria

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will publish his consultation document on post-primary admissions criteria.

Barry Gardiner: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Strangford, Mrs.Iris Robinson on 27 January 2005, Official Report, column 516W.

Departmental Advertising

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in which Muslim newspapers the Department advertises; and what kinds of advertising the Department places in Muslim newspapers.

Paul Murphy: There are no Muslim newspapers published in Northern Ireland.

Departmental Estate

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the cost of (a) new builds, (b) demolition rebuilds and (c) private finance initiative projects in his Department in each of the last two years.

Ian Pearson: We have had no expenditure on (a) new builds, (b) demolition new rebuilds or (c) PFI projects in the last two years. This answer relates only to the Northern Ireland Office and does not include information in respect of the 11 departments of the Northern Ireland administration.

Drink-driving

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have received a prison sentence in Northern Ireland having been convicted of a drink-driving offence in the past 12 months.

Paul Murphy: Data beyond 2002 is currently not available.
	In 2002, of the 2,248 convictions for drink-related driving offences, 12 people were sentenced to immediate custody.

Freedom of Information

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what categories of information are available under Freedom of Information legislation that have not been provided in written parliamentary answers by his Department in the last three years.

Paul Murphy: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs (Mr. Leslie) on 24 January 2005, Official Report, column 140W.

Fuel Poverty

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures are being taken to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland.

John Spellar: There are a wide range of measures and programmes which both directly and indirectly tackle fuel poverty. The Department's Warm Homes Scheme, winter fuel payments, cold weather payments, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's (NIHE) heating replacement programme and the Energy Efficiency Advice Centres all provide direct assistance. Other programmes such as the NIHE private sector grants, the NIHE improvement schemes and the Housing Association New Build programme also make a major contribution to tackling fuel poverty.

Fuel Poverty

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland are classified as fuel poor.

John Spellar: Figures on fuel poverty are classified in terms of households rather than individual people. The Northern Ireland House Condition Survey 2001 found that 203,000 households in Northern Ireland (33 per cent.) were classified as fuel poor. An interim house condition survey is due to be published later this year and this will provide more up to date information. It is expected that the numbers will reflect the considerable impact the measures are having in addressing fuel poverty in Northern Ireland.

Fuel Poverty

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for NorthernIreland how much has been spent on tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997.

John Spellar: In the period from 1997 to date, there have been a number of schemes implemented to address fuel poverty, such as DEES, Fuel Poverty Pilot Projects, the Warm Homes Scheme, NIE's Energy Efficiency Levy Programme, winter fuel payments and cold weather payments.
	Winter fuel payments are paid to everyone over 60 years of age and are not subject to a means test or meeting any fuel poverty criterion.
	The level of expenditure in each financial year since 1997 on all such schemes is:
	
		
			  Expenditure (£) 
		
		
			 1997–98 8,245,677 
			 1998–99 8,457,627 
			 1999–2000 28,692,306 
			 2000–01 61,944,434 
			 2001–02 49,693,495 
			 2002–03 54,455,063 
			 2003–04 58,688,905 
			 2004–05(79) 13,719,200 
		
	
	(79)The total spend for winter fuel payments and the ME Energy Efficiency Levy Programme are not yet available for this financial year.
	In addition, there is a wide range of measures and programmes which indirectly tackle fuel poverty. For example, Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) private sector grants, the NIHE improvement schemes and the Housing Association New Build programme. However, it is not possible to identify how much of this specifically addresses fuel poverty.

Fuel Poverty

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he plans to set up the interdepartmental group on fuel poverty.

John Spellar: The interdepartmental group on fuel poverty is currently being set up and it is proposed that the first meeting will be in April 2005.

Fuel Poverty

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what categories of homes are eligible for assistance under the Warm Homes Scheme in Northern Ireland.

John Spellar: It is the circumstances of the individual householder which determines the eligibility for the Warm Homes Scheme. Those who are eligible for assistance are owner-occupiers and private sector tenants who are in receipt of means tested or disability benefits.

Human Rights/Equalities Commissions

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the planned budgets and staffing levels are for the (a) Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and (b) ECNI in each of the next three financial years.

John Spellar: The planned budget for the next three years for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2005–06 1.35 
			 2006–07 1.35 
			 2007–08 1.35 
		
	
	Officials in the devolved administration in Northern Ireland have provided figures for the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2005–06 6.799 
			 2006–07 6.799 
			 2007–08 6.799 
		
	
	The current staffing levels stand at:
	17 for Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
	146 for the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
	We are not able to give precise figures for staffing levels over the next three years.
	All NDPBs are required to make efficiency savings under Peter Gershon's independent 2004 review on public sector efficiency. The current rate of efficiency savings stands at 2.5 per cent.

Invoices

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average length of time was between the date of invoices issued to his Department from a supplier and payment by the Department of the invoice in the last 12 months for which figures are available; what percentage of these invoices were paid within 30 days of the date of issue of the invoice; what percentage of these invoices remained unpaid after 90 days; and if he will make a statement on the Department's policy on the payment of invoices issued to it.

Paul Murphy: From April 2003 to March 2004:
	the average length of time between the date of invoices issued to the Department from a supplier and payment of the invoice bythe Department is 23 days.
	the percentage of these invoices paid within 30 days of the date of issue of the invoice was 82.2 per cent.
	the percentage of these invoices which remained unpaid after 90days was 0.5 per cent.
	The Government's policy on the payment of invoices issued to it is:
	all Departments and agencies should pay all invoices not in dispute in 30 days or the agreed contractual terms if otherwise specified and all Departments should aim to pay 100 per cent. of invoices, including disputed invoices once the dispute has been settled, on time in these terms".

Juvenile Justice Centre

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what dates representatives from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission have been refused access to the Juvenile Justice Centre; what the reason was in each case; and what action has been taken as a result.

John Spellar: The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission published a full report in March 2002 on the arrangements for children in custody in Northern Ireland. In January 2004, the Commission expressed a wish to undertake another inspection of the only remaining Juvenile Justice Centre at Rathgael, Bangor. As a full-scale inspection of the Centre was already being undertaken in that year by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate (CJI), in order to avoid duplication and the placing of an unnecessary burden on the children and staff in the Centre the Commission was advised that it would not be appropriate for them to carry out another review at that time. However, at the invitation of the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice, an Investigations Officer from the Commission joined the CJI team and played a full part in the inspection.

Mental Health

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the impact of terrorism on the mental health needs of the Province.

Angela Smith: There has been no definitive research into the impact of terrorism on the mental health needs of the population of Northern Ireland.

Plastic Baton Rounds

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many plastic baton rounds were used in crowd control circumstances in Northern Ireland during 2004 by (a) the police and (b) the Army.

Ian Pearson: No baton rounds were fired in Northern Ireland in 2004. The last firing of a baton round in Northern Ireland was in September 2002.
	The Government remains committed to implementing the Independent Commission on policing's recommendations on the use of less lethal weaponry. PSNI is now equipped with a broader range of public order equipment, including water cannon, to provide a graduated response to threatening situations. There is also a UK wide research programme to find an acceptable, effective and potentially less lethal alternative to the baton round.

Staff Vacancies

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent on advertising staff vacancies in (a) 2002 and (b) 2003.

Ian Pearson: The Northern Ireland Office (excluding its agencies and NDPBs) has spent the following on advertising staff vacancies:
	(a) 2002–03: £101,429.12
	(b) 2003–04: £52,927.61
	This answer relates only to the Northern Ireland Office and does not include information in respect of the eleven Northern Ireland Departments.

Trolley Waits

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has regarding the number of trolley waits at each of the Province's hospitals in each month over the last five years.

Angela Smith: This information is not available in the form requested.
	The total number of hospital trolley waits is reported to the Department on a quarterly basis and is collected at trust level only. Information relating to the last five financial years is presented in the tables.
	
		
			 Quarter ending Royal Group Belfast City UC and HT Down Lisburn Mater 
		
		
			 30 June 1999 269 2,589 3,106 1,067 114 
			 30 September 1999 358 2,680 3,176 1,468 108 
			 31 December 1999 467 3,021 3,239 1,388 166 
			 31 March 2000 1,023 2,961 3,391 1,459 119 
			 30 June 2000 340 2,854 3,625 1,558 129 
			 30 September 2000 359 2,868 3,403 1,355 120 
			 31 December 2000 4,177 3,011 3,634 1,480 99 
			 31 March 2001 792 3,168 3,605 1,524 350 
			 30 June 2001 659 3,096 3,345 1,618 187 
			 30 September 2001 740 3,247 3,352 1,608 352 
			 31 December 2001 695 3,273 3,413 1,676 403 
			 31 March 2002 653 3,287 3,405 1,609 1,920 
			 30 June20 02 623 3,380 3,764 1,734 1,783 
			 30 September 2002 3,201 3,264 3,599 1,948 1,964 
			 31 December 2002 3,029 3,008 3,521 1,964 1,890 
			 31 March 2003 3,209 3,156 3,383 1,777 1796 
			 30 June20 03 3,312 2,975 3,306 1,862 1,697 
			 30 September 2003 3,222 3,040 3,577 1,945 1,766 
			 31 December 2003 3,094 3,234 3,391 1,818 1,913 
			 31 March 2004 3,079 2,914 3,247 1,831 1,865 
			 30 June 2004 2,945 2,736 3,705 1,846 1,948 
			 30 September 2004 2,920 2,760 3,953 1,828 1,995 
		
	
	
		
			 Quarter ending Causeway United Craigavon Area Newry and Mourne Armagh and Dungannon Altnagelvin Sperrin Lakeland 
		
		
			 30 June 1999 100 2,643 1,374 89 440 1,383 820 
			 30 September 1999 100 2,789 1,914 97 364 1,357 758 
			 31 December 1999 100 3,390 2,428 108 10 1,260 839 
			 31 March 2000 100 3,635 2,787 105 39 1,238 886 
			 30 June 2000 100 3,703 2,649 113 54 1,228 943 
			 30 September 2000 162 3,781 2,968 168 47 1,345 907 
			 31 December 2000 137 3,678 3,100 155 10 1,292 962 
			 31 March 2001 170 4,080 3,378 146 8 1,236 908 
			 30 June 2001 193 3,779 3,306 46 8 1,388 866 
			 30 September 2001 203 3,776 3,242 152 4 1,400 900 
			 31 December 2001 172 4,171 3,390 106 4 1,306 935 
			 31 March 2002 259 3,781 3,288 112 — 1,201 892 
			 30 June 2002 154 4,187 3,152 166 — 1,375 929 
			 30 September 2002 97 4,276 3,360 143 — 1,450 1,018 
			 31 December 2002 628 4,360 4,009 136 — 1,509 1,081 
			 31 March 2003 675 4,334 4,240 166 — 1,575 1,369 
			 30 June 2003 704 4,150 4,419 173 — 1,652 1,370 
			 30 September 2003 781 4,212 4,277 128 — 1,759 1,373 
			 31 December 2003 624 4,318 4,639 191 — 1,996 1,206 
			 31 March 2004 618 4,354 4,421 217 — 2,106 1,317 
			 30 June 2004 730 4,505 4,356 182 — 1,941 1,214 
			 30 September 2004 1,236 4,360 4,240 (80)1,040 — 2,008 1,226 
		
	
	(80)Newry and Mourne Trust does not have an electronic Accident and Emergency System and have been providing a two-week snap shot survey in each quarter. From 1 June 2004 additional resources have been allocated and they are now in a position to manually collect all trolley waits.
	Note:
	In a small number of cases Trusts have returned data for a representative sample of trolley waits.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Community Courts

Liam Byrne: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the Lord Chancellor's plans to increase the number of community courts in England;
	(2)  what assessment the Department has made of the efficacy of the community court in North Liverpool; how many offences the court has considered, broken down by category; and what sentences were handed down.

Christopher Leslie: The information is as follows:
	1.The Liverpool Community Justice Centre is the only pilot of this type. However, we are looking at other ways of piloting the problem-solving approach within the existing magistrates court system. The first of these will be based within Salford magistrates court.
	2.At Liverpool, the community courtroom became operational on 9 December 2004 and it is too early to make an assessment of its efficacy.
	The court has been sitting for two days a week since 9 December 2004 and has heard over 100 cases. These include a range of antisocial behaviour type offences and crimes identified as priorities by the community. The court has imposed a wide range of sentences including community penalties and imprisonment and has also ordered the closure of a crack house. These sentences were informed by case management which looked at the problems of each offender and ways of addressing why they commit crime.

IT Projects

George Osborne: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will list the Department's IT projects in each year since 1997, broken down by (a) amount spent, (b) purpose, (c) cost of over-run and (d) time of over-run.

Christopher Leslie: For my Department, the expenditure on IT projects since 1997 is contained within three main areas; Crown and county courts, magistrates courts and headquarters. These three areas are covered by separate contracts, namely LOCCS, the LIBRA contracts and ARAMIS.
	LOCCS (Local Office Court Computer Systems—various court-based IT systems):
	(a) Expenditure: Between 1997 and 2004, expenditure on LOCCS contract totalled £137.53 million. The expenditure for each year is as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1998–99 5.92 
			 1999–2000 14.35 
			 2000–01 24.9 
			 2001–02 33.4 
			 2002–03 17.5 
			 2003–04 41.46 
		
	
	(b) Purpose: LOCCS provides operational IT systems to the Court Service.
	(c) and (d) Over-runs: there are no over-runs.
	ARAMIS (Resource Accounting and Management Information System):
	(a) Expenditure: Since 1997 to date, expenditure has totalled £121.25 million. The expenditure for each year is as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1997–98 3.07 
			 1998–99 13.54 
			 1999–2000 14.47 
			 2000–01 18.5 
			 2001–02 18.39 
			 2002–03 24.74 
			 2003–04 28.54 
		
	
	(b) Purpose: ARAMIS provides accounting, financial, HR/payroll and management information services to the Department.
	(c) and (d) Over-runs: there are no over-runs.
	The LIBRA contracts
	(a) Total expenditure since 2000 (when payments commenced) to date is £180.8 million. The expenditure for each year is as follows.
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2000–01 11.2 
			 2001–02 22 
			 2002–03 68 
			 2003–04 79.6 
		
	
	(b) Purpose: The Libra contracts provide case management and office automation to magistrates courts. The Libra Project will deliver a standardised IT system into all magistrates courts. Its aim is to provide users with a modern network, office automation and case management software, that will help them improve the way they work and serve their customers. It will also improve links with other agencies, and will include linking with the police through the CJS Exchange.
	(c) and (d): 75 per cent. of the project has been delivered ahead of target and to budget (network and office automation). Deployment dates for case management software to be confirmed. Cost implications will be confirmed pending final deployment dates.

Judges' Expenses

Norman Baker: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much has been claimed in expenses by judges in each year since 1997; and what this represents for each year as an average per judge.

Christopher Leslie: From the information available to my Department, the total judicial expenses claimed since 1997 are:
	
		
			 Financial year Total judicial expenses (£) Total number of judges Average expense per judge (£) 
		
		
			 1997–98 164,110 3,121 52.58 
			 1998–99 6,907,726 3,239 2,132.67 
			 1999–2000 8,568,338 3,255 2,632.36 
			 2000–01 8,787,395 3,325 2,642.83 
			 2001–02 10,303,003 3,343 3,081.96 
			 2002–03 13,118,670 3,408 3,849.38 
			 2003–04 14,829,365 3,382 4,384.79 
			 2004–05(81) 10,681,011 3,445 3,100.44 
		
	
	(81)YTD
	The practice of coding judicial expenses separately from judicial salaries and fees began in early 1998, therefore accurate reporting was available from 1998–99.

Legal Aid (Travellers)

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the estimated cost of legal aid to Travellers has been in each year since 1997.

David Lammy: I am unable to provide an answer as the Department does not record or hold the information requested.

Supreme Court

David Laws: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what his estimate is of the costs of the new Supreme Court; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Leslie: I refer the hon. Member to my written ministerial statement of 14 December 2004, Official Report, column 117WS, notifying this House that Middlesex Guildhall was the preferred location for the UK Supreme Court.
	Detailed within that statement are the costs associated with the delivery of the Supreme Court and the operational running costs.

DEFENCE

14th Signals Regiment

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to move the 14th Signals Regiment from their base at Cawdor Barracks in the next three years.

Ivor Caplin: At present we have no plans to move the 14th Signals Regiment (Electronic Warfare) from Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy. I will ensure that the hon. Member is kept informed should our intentions change in the future.

Aircraft Carriers

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has received representations from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, or on his behalf, in connection with the location of the final assembly of the CVFs.

Adam Ingram: No.

Aircraft Servicing

John Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost was of servicing Harrier jets at RAF Cottesmore in (a) 2003 and (b) 2004.

Adam Ingram: The Harrier Integrated Project Team provides logistic support to the entire Harrier Departmental Fleet at a variety of different locations. To collect the information necessary to give an accurate assessment of the value of repair and maintenance work carried out at RAF Cottesmore would be very time consuming and at disproportionate cost.

Aircraft Servicing

John Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total value was of work undertaken by BAE Systems at (a) RAF Cottesmore and (b) RAF Marham in (i) 2003 and (ii) 2004.

Adam Ingram: This information is not held in the format requested and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Aircraft Servicing

John Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost was of servicing Tornado jets at RAF Marham in (a) 2003 and (b) 2004.

Adam Ingram: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions have taken place between his Department and representatives of the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association; and what response the Department has made to the Association's letter before action.

Ivor Caplin: There have been no recent discussions between Ministry of Defence and representatives of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association about common law compensation claims.
	A formal letter of claim was however received on 16 December 2004 from solicitors representing individual veterans of the British nuclear test programme in a potential compensation claim against MOD, to which an acknowledgement has been sent. A substantive response is under consideration by MOD officials and their legal representatives.

Civil Servants

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost of the enhanced early retirement scheme for civil servants in his Department and its agencies was in each year from 1997–98 to 2003–04 and what the estimated cost will be in each year from 2004–05 to 2007–08; and if he will make a statement.

Ivor Caplin: The Ministry of Defence does not hold records centrally for all redundancy payments and to obtain the Department's expenditure on redundancy for the last seven years would result in disproportionate cost. However I am able to provide figures for the last five years, together with expenditure to 31 December 2004 for the current financial year, for all MOD civilians who are members of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) and who have been made redundant on either early retirement or early severance terms. These are as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 1999–2000 58,059,213.45 
			 2000–01 44,021,379.73 
			 2001–02 52,909,005.61 
			 2002–03 47,959,121.63 
			 2003–04 83,963,680.79 
			 2004–05 (82)58,954,837.55 
		
	
	(82)Figure covers expenditure to 31 December 2004
	The figures for estimated future costs (based on the same criteria as above) are estimated to be:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 2005–06 67,000,000 
			 2006–07 50,000,000 
			 2007–08 83,000,000

Civil Service Property

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many items of civil service property within his Department are unaccounted for, broken down by type.

Ivor Caplin: All the Department's property, represented by its fixed assets and stocks, is accounted for using normal accounting conventions, and in accordance with the accounting policies stated in the Departmental Resource Accounts. These accounts are published annually, and are audited and certified by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
	The Departmental Resource Accounts are available on the MOD Website and copies have been laid in the Library of the House.

Clothing Contracts

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the country of origin was of fabric samples tested for the cut and sew contract; and when the tests took place.

Adam Ingram: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 20 December 2004, Official Report, column 1372W. Tests on the fabric were carried out at independent accredited test houses during November 2004 in China and in the United Kingdom. All tests confirmed that Ministry of Defence specification requirements are being met.

Clothing Contracts

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many garments have been delivered by the factory in China for the cut and sew contract.

Adam Ingram: The first significant delivery under the cut and sew contract, consisting of 12,900 towels, was satisfactorily made in November 2004. Other deliveries under this contract to date have been 28 Dress Warm Weather (delivered 22 October 2004) and 3,666 Trousers Action Working Dress (delivered 29 November 2004). More recently, on 8 January deliveries of 17,769 undergarments, which meet the required specifications, were received from a Chinese sub-contractor, ahead of the contract schedule.

Cluster Munitions

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which (a) UK-owned and (b) foreign-owned companies have manufactured cluster munitions in the UK since 1998 for use by (i) the armed forces of the United Kingdom, (ii) the armed forces of another country and (iii) others.

Adam Ingram: No United Kingdom or foreign-owned company has manufactured air or ground launched cluster munitions in the UK for the armed forces of the UK since 1998. However, BAE Systems undertake fusing and packaging of ground launched cluster munitions to meet current MOD requirements. I am not aware of any UK company manufacturing cluster munitions for export since 1998.

European Security Research Advisory Board

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who the UK representatives will be on the European Security Research Advisory Board.

Geoff Hoon: Following its Communication Security Research: the next steps" of 7 September 2004, the European Commission invited member states, along with a number of organisations, to nominate high-level strategists in the field of security-related research for possible membership of the European Security Research Advisory Board. The question is interpreted as relating to nominations made by Her Majesty's Government, as opposed to any British citizens who have been nominated by other parties.
	The Government has nominated a number of Government and non-Government candidates, however there is no guarantee that any of these will be selected. At the time of writing, on 26 January 2005, it is not yet known who the Commission have selected for this advisory board.

Falcon Project

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce a decision on the successful tenderer for the Falcon project; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: We are still considering how best to provide the Falcon communications system capability and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

Household Division

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reviews are being carried out of the public duties obligations of the Household Division including the incremental companies.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence constantly reviews all its military tasks, including public duties.

Infantry Regiments

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  if he will reconsider his decision on the naming of the unit formed by the merger of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, the King's Own Royal Border Regiment and the King's Regiment; and for what reasons the name proposed by the regiments involved was rejected;
	(2)  what process was used by his Department to reach a decision on the change of name of the 1st Queen's Lancashire Regiment; and whether the name change was recommended by (a) Army staff and (b) Ministers.

Adam Ingram: The process of restructuring the infantry has been worked through by the Army in consultation with the divisions and regiments concerned. As part of this process, infantry divisions were asked to suggest options for new regimental titles.
	The proposed title of the 'King's, Lancashire and Border Regiment' was one of the options put forward by the King's Division, and was selected by the Executive Committee of the Army Board (and subsequently endorsed by the Army Board) on the basis that this title best reflected all the antecedent regiments from which it will be drawn. This was felt to be particularly important because of the fact that this reorganisation involved the merging of three previously distinct regiments, into a two-battalion regiment.

Infantry Regiments

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which infantry regiments have had the best record of personnel retention in each year since 2002.

Ivor Caplin: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Iraq

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) start and (b) end dates were of each British Army unit's operational deployment in Iraq since January 2003; and what the (i) dates and (ii) locations of (A) the unit's previous three deployments and (B)subsequent deployments were.

Adam Ingram: In view of the voluminous nature of the information requested, I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy in the Library of the House.

Iraq

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) men and (b) women are being held in detention by British military authorities in Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: As at 27 January 2005, there were 30 men and no women being held in detention by British military authorities in Iraq.

Iraq

Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Government will commission and fund a comprehensive, independent inquiry into the number of Iraqis who have died or been injured as a result of war-related causes since the US/UK invasion of Iraq in March 2003.

Bill Rammell: I have been asked to reply.
	As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary explained in his written statement on 17 November 2004 Official Report, columns 92–95WS, we believe that the Iraqi authorities remain in the best position to monitor the casualties of their nationals. An independent inquiry is highly unlikely to be able to gain better access and provide more accurate information on casualties than the Iraqi Government.

Iraq

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) casualties and (b) fatalities of British troops in Iraq there have been since 2003; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: 75 United Kingdom Service Personnel have died while on Op Telic. The UK has conducted 2,891 medical evacuations from Iraq since February 2003. This includes a small number of entitled civilians and Iraqis. Numbers of minor casualties treated in theatre are not held centrally.

Iraq

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list individuals detained in Iraq by UK forces on the basis of an alleged connection with weapons of mass destruction; how long each has been detained; when he expects each to be released; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: No individuals are being interned in Iraq in a United Kingdom detention facility because of an alleged connection with weapons of mass destruction.

Iraq

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library the text of the aide-memoire on the law of armed conflict provided to soldiers on active duty in Iraq.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 24 January 2005
	Yes.

Kellogg Brown & Root

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list contracts his Department has granted to Kellogg Brown & Root in the last five years.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence has placed the following contracts directly with Kellog Brown & Root since 1 April 1999 to the present date:
	
		
			 Contract Number Date Placed 
		
		
			 BFIC1/06 13 December 2002 
			 ESSESLC/0234 8 September 2003 
			 BFIC1/30 29 September 2003 
			 CB/PJHQ/012 4 December 2003 
			 CB/PJHQ/013 5 December 2003 
			 ESSESLC/0318 5 December 2003 
			 BFIC1/08 21 January 2004 
			 CB/PJHQ/017 25 February 2004 
			 CB/PJHQ/031 22 April 2004 
			 CB/PJHQ/032 29 April 2004 
			 CB/PJHQ/035 18 May 2004 
			 CB/PJHQ/036 27 May 2004 
			 CB/PJHQ/037 13 July 2004 
			 ESSESLC/0336 25 August 2004 
			 CB/PJHQ/045 8 September 2004 
			 CB/PJHQ/040 22 September 2004 
			 ESSESLC/0434 19 October 2004 
			 CB/PJHQ/049 27 October 2004 
			 CB/PJHQ/053 9 December 2004 
		
	
	Total value of the contracts is in the region of £132 million. Contract BFIC1/06 covered the supply of the temporary deployable accommodation in support of Operation Telic with contracts with the prefix ESSESL" providing the logistic support and spares provisioning to support that requirement. Contract CB/PJHQ/053 covered the supply of various personal protective equipment and contract BFIC1/30, and the remainder of contracts with the prefix CB/PHJQ, associated with the CONLOG enabling contract providing a range of logistic and infrastructure support to PJHQ operations worldwide.

Military Court Sentences

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the longest sentence being served by a (a) man and (b) woman following conviction by a military court is.

Ivor Caplin: The longest sentence being served by a male following conviction at courts-martial is of detention during Her Majesty's Pleasure. There are no females presently serving a sentence of imprisonment or detention.

Military Discipline

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defencehow many members of HM armed forces were (a) disciplined and (b) dismissed from the Services for misuse of rail warrants in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Ivor Caplin: The number of Service personnel reported as having been disciplined for offences relating to the misuse of rail warrants in each of the last five years is:
	
		
			  The Naval Service The Army The RAF 
		
		
			 2000 0 (83)3 0 
			 2001 0 4 1 
			 2002 0 2 1 
			 2003 0 1 0 
			 2004 0 5 (84)1 
			 Total 0 15 3 
		
	
	(83)One soldier tried in 2000 was subsequently dismissed the Service. All other Service personnel were retained.
	(84)on-going
	The statistics for the Naval Service refer to trial by courts-martial only. No statistics are held centrally for disposal at summary level for this Service.

Northern Ireland

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the (a) Regular Army and (b) Royal Irish Regiment are serving in Northern Ireland.

Adam Ingram: As at 31 December 2004 there were 6,660 members of the Regular Army and 3,280 Home Service members of the Royal Irish Regiment stationed in Northern Ireland.
	The GOC NI also has under his command troops that are rear based in Great Britain that can be called forward to the Province as and when required. In addition other troops can be made available to the GOC NI from Land Command if required for example during the marching season.

Northern Ireland

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 26 January 2005, Official Report, column 16WS on the reduction of Battalion Under Command GOC Northern Ireland, how many troops will remain under the command of the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland following the changes announced in that statement; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: As at the 31 December 2004 the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland (GOC NI) had under his command 11490 Armed Forces personnel (Navy, Army and RAF) stationed in Northern Ireland or rear-based in Great Britain. As a result of the change announced in my Written Ministerial statement of 26 January, this number is expected to reduce by some 570 personnel.
	The GOC NI continues to keep the number of personnel in Northern Ireland under regular review so as to provide optimum support to the PSNI.

Nuclear Weapons

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Government's policy is on research and development of new nuclear weapons, with particular reference to low yield and bunker buster weapons and activities carried out within the Mutual Defence Agreement with the United States Administration; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The Government's approach to future decisions on nuclear weapons policy was set out at paragraph 3.11 of the 2003 Defence White Paper (Cm6041–1). No research of the kind referred to by the hon. Member is carried out under the Mutual Defence Agreement.

Pay Television Subscriptions

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many pay television subscriptions the Department had in each year since 1997; and what the cost was in each year.

Ivor Caplin: The information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

QinetiQ

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those Ministry of Defence projects for which QinetiQ (a) has pre-qualified to bid and (b) is bidding (i) on its own and (ii) as a full equity partner in a consortium.

Adam Ingram: This information is not collected centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

QinetiQ

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the potential for conflicts of interest to arise where QinetiQ is competing for Ministry of Defence contracts; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: During the QinetiQ Vesting process, the potential for such conflicts of interest was considered. To ensure any such conflicts were properly addressed the Ministry of Defence ownership interest in QinetiQ was kept completely separate from the Department's competitive contract placement activities. Compliance processes were also implemented to ensure the advice QinetiQ provides to MOD is independent of commercial contracts that could give rise to a potential conflict of interest.

QinetiQ

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether restrictions have been placed on the ability of QinetiQ to compete for service-based Ministry of Defence contracts.

Adam Ingram: The only restriction that has been placed on the ability of QinetiQ to compete for the Ministry of Defence contracts is the compliance regime which was put in place when QinetiQ was created in 2001. This regime prevents QinetiQ from entering into commercial relationships which would create an unmanageable conflict of interest and prejudice the company's ability to provide impartial advice to MOD.

Royal Navy Wrecks

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many wrecks of Royal Navy vessels lie in UK waters that have (a) not been legally explored, (b) been illegally explored and (c) been legally explored; and if he will make a statement.

Ivor Caplin: Unless a RN wreck is specifically designated under the appropriate legislation (e.g. Protection of Military Remains Act 1986, Protection of Wrecks Act 1973), no licence is needed to dive on it.
	To date, a total of seventeen RN wrecks have been designated under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986, of which twelve lie within UK waters. No licences to carry out activities on the designated wrecks have yet been issued.
	Further information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Royal Navy Wrecks

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to prevent historic wrecks of Royal Navy vessels being looted by treasure hunters; and if he will make a statement.

Ivor Caplin: Under both United Kingdom and international law wrecked military aircraft and vessels remain the property of the state, regardless of their location and condition. Such ships have sovereign immunity from interference and the state may seek enforcement of this in an appropriate court.
	The Ministry of Defence uses the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 to afford protection from unwanted interference to RN vessels wrecked after 4 August 1914, where this is considered necessary and appropriate. To date, seventeen wrecks have been designated under the Act; more will follow as part of a rolling programme.
	Historic wrecks, including those of RN vessels, may also be designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Such designations are however the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the Devolved Administrations, depending on the individual wreck's location.

Royal Navy Wrecks

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that adequate time is provided for archaeological examination and records of any finds from HMS Sussex before they are sold or otherwise disposed of; and if he will make a statement.

Ivor Caplin: All items recovered from the site, including those coins that may later be sold, will be fully recorded to appropriate professional standards. Post-fieldwork assessment and analysis will result in the creation of a post-excavation assessment report. The archaeological team may then elect to undertake specific analysis or invite or permit other scholars to do so.
	It is too early to speculate on the timing of disposals. Such decisions will eventually be informed by what is recovered. Under the Licence Agreement, the Government, as owner of the wreck and artefacts, retains complete discretion to retain any artefact. A decision on the sale or retention of assets can only be taken with the benefit of far more information on the wreck, its state and contents.

Special Advisers

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many special advisers there are in the Department, broken down by Civil Service pay- grade.

Ivor Caplin: Details on the names and number of Special Advisers by pay band by department are published on annual basis. For information for the financial year 2003–4, I refer the hon. Member to the statement given by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister on 22 July 2004 Official Report, column 466W.

Specialist Units

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which specialist units have been deployed on operations since 1997 in a basic infantry role.

Adam Ingram: Every soldier in the British Army is trained as infanteer first, and as a specialist second, therefore I have assumed the hon. Member is referring to non-infantry units that have deployed in an infantry role. Such units would not primarily be deployed in an infantry role during war fighting operations. Non-infantry units deployed in an infantry role from January 2000 to January 2005 inclusive are set out in the following tables. Details of deployments before 2000 are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	
		Cyprus
		
			 Arm Unit Date Comment 
			 (a) (b) (c) (d) 
		
		
			 Royal Artillery
			  16th Regiment Royal Artillery June 2000 to December 2000 — 
			  12th Regiment Royal Artillery June 2001 to December 2001 — 
			  32nd Regiment Royal Artillery December 2001 to June 2002 (Including a sub unit from the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery) 
			  16th Regiment Royal Artillery June 2002 to December 2002 — 
			  47th Regiment Royal Artillery December 2002 to June 2003 — 
			  22nd Regiment Royal Artillery June 2003 to December 2003 — 
			  3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery December 2003 to June 2004 — 
			  40th Regiment Royal Artillery June 2004 to October 2004 — 
			  26th Regiment Royal Artillery October 2004 to April 2005 — 
			 
			 Royal Armoured Corps
			  Light Dragoons January 2000 to June 2000 — 
			  Queen's Royal Lancers January 2001 to June 2001 — 
		
	
	
		Northern Ireland
		
			 Arm Unit Date Comment 
			 (a) (b) (c) (d) 
		
		
			 Royal Artillery
			  26th Regiment Royal Artillery October 1999 to April 2000 — 
			  12th Regiment Royal Artillery April 2000 to October 2000 — 
			  39th Regiment Royal Artillery October 2000 to April 2001 — 
			  39th Regiment Royal Artillery November 2002 to May 2003 — 
			  4th Regiment Royal Artillery June 2003 to January 2004 — 
			  39th Regiment Royal Artillery August 2003 to November 2003 (Including a sub unit from 5 Regt RA) 
			  12th Regiment Royal Artillery November 2003 to June 2004 (Including a sub unit from 16 Regt RA) 
			 
			 Royal Armoured Corps
			  King's Royal Hussars December 2002 to June 2003 — 
		
	
	
		Iraq
		
			 Arm Unit Date Comment 
			 (a) (b) (c) (d) 
		
		
			 Royal Artillery
			  40th Regiment Royal Artillery July 2003 to November 2003 — 
			  26th Regiment Royal Artillery November 2003 to May 2004 — 
			  1st Regiment May 2004 — 
			  Royal Horse Artillery November 2004 — 
			  4th Regiment Royal Artillery November 2004 — 
			 
			 Royal Armoured Corps
			  2nd Royal Tank Regiment June 2003 to November 2003 — 
			  Queen's Royal Hussars November 2003 to May 2004 — 
			  Queen's Royal Lancers May 2004 to November 2004 — 
			  Royal Dragoon Guards November 2004 —

Tornado GR4 (Servicing)

John Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to service Tornado GR4 jets at RAF Lossiemouth.

Adam Ingram: RAF Lossiemouth will continue to undertake Primary and Primary Star maintenance activity for Tornado GR4 aircraft. Minor maintenance tasks for the Tornado GR4 will transfer to RAF Marham as part of the End-End-Study recommendation to centralise Tornado GR4 on-aircraft maintenance.

Tornado GR4 (Servicing)

John Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many tracks are to be built at RAF Lossiemouth to service Tornado GR4 jets.

Adam Ingram: None.

Tornado GR4 (Servicing)

John Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what concerns have been expressed to him by BAE Systems about the ability of the RAF to undertake deep repair of Tornado GR4 jets at RAF Marham.

Adam Ingram: I am not aware of any such concerns having been expressed to Ministers or senior officials within the Ministry of Defence.

Tornado GR4 (Servicing)

John Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many tracks are to be built at RAF Marham to provide depth support for Tornado GR4 jets.

Adam Ingram: None. The intention is to replace the track based maintenance system with a flow-line", similar to the Harrier Joint Upgrade and Maintenance Programme at RAF Cottesmore.

VAT

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much VAT was transferred by the Department to the Treasury in 2003–04; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: No VAT was transferred by the Department to the Treasury in 2003–04. The total output VAT due to HM Customs and Excise was £93 million (VAT on business sales). However, this was more than offset by the total recoverable input VAT for the year, £1,093 million (recovery of input tax relating tocontracted-out services and business activities). This led to an overall VAT refund to the Department of £1,000 million (total recoverable input VAT minus output VAT).

Voluntary Signing Off

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) private soldiers and (b) non-commissioned officers have voluntarily signed off from the Army at the 11 year point in their Army career in each six-month period of the last four years.

Ivor Caplin: Although the term 'signed off' is not recognised within the United Kingdom Armed Forces, it is likely that the question relates to trained soldiers who have left under Premature Voluntary Release (PVR) terms.
	The number of PVR exits of trained soldiers with a length of reckonable service equal to 11 years are as follows:
	
		
			   Financial year—date of flow Non-commissioned officer Private soldier Total 
		
		
			 2000–01 First half 35 5 40 
			 2000–01 Second half 30 5 35 
			 2001–02 First half 25 5 30 
			 2001–02 Second half 25 (85)— 25 
			 2002–03 First half 15 (85)— 20 
			 2002–03 Second half 10 (85)— 10 
			 2003–04 First half 15 5 20 
			 2003–04 Second half 15 (85)— 15 
			 2004–05 First half 10 0 10 
		
	
	(85)Indicates fewer than 5.
	Note:
	Totals are rounded to 5.
	PVR is defined as all applications and exits from trained personnel which are generated by the individual except as of right" compassion", redundancy", medical reasons", death", services no longer required" and time expiry".

West Dean

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with the disposal of the West Dean ordnance site; and if he will make a statement.

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are for the future of the land at the Defence Munitions Dean site.

Ivor Caplin: holding answer 15 December 2004
	The Dean Hill site comprises 340 acres within the site boundary, 230 acres of farmland beyond the boundary wire, and 35 associated residential properties.
	The area within the boundary is likely to be sold as one lot on the open market during financial year 2005–06. Following discussions with local authorities, parish councils, Statutory bodies and other stakeholders a Planning Position Statement is likely to be adopted as planning guidance.
	The 230 acres of farmland outside the wire has been offered back for sale to former owners under the Crichel Down Rules. Any land not purchased by former owners will be sold on the open market or to the existing farm tenants.
	32 of the residential properties have already been sold or are under offer. The remaining properties are likely to be sold at auction. All existing tenants were given the opportunity to purchase the property they occupied and 10 accepted. Seven tenants chose not to purchase and these properties will be transferred to Testway Housing Association subject to their existing tenancies, with a stipulation that the tenancies are protected and provide security of tenure.

Wind Farms

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) guidance and (b) objections his Department has sent to Berwick-upon-Tweed borough council about the impact of proposed wind farm sites on the military low flying programme.

Ivor Caplin: holding answer 27 January 2005
	No specific guidance has been given to Berwick-Upon-Tweed borough council about the impact of wind turbines on military low flying. To date, no objections have been raised by the Ministry of Defence in relation to wind farm planning applications in the borough.

HEALTH

A and E Child Admissions

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many accident and emergency child admissions there were in East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust in each quarter since 31 March 2001.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is shown in the tables.
	
		Counts of finished in-year admission episodes for emergency admissions via accident and emergency services for patients aged between 0–17 -- Table 1: Provider—East Sussex Hospitals National Health Service Trust (RXC)
		
			  Finished in-year admissions 
			 Quarter 2002–03 2003–04 
		
		
			 1—April, May, June 592 779 
			 2—July, August, September 615 778 
			 3—October, November, December 643 787 
			 4—January, February, March 653 777 
		
	
	
		Table 2: Provider—Eastbourne Hospitals (RDL) and Hastings and Rother (RDM)
		
			 Quarter Finished in-year admissions 2001–02 
		
		
			 1—April, May, June 677 
			 2—July, August, September 650 
			 3—October, November, December 646 
			 4—January, February, March 637 
		
	
	Notes:
	1.East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust (RXC) was formed in 2002–03 by merging Eastbourne Hospitals (RDL) and part of Hastings and Rother (RDM).
	2.A finished in-year admission is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider, excluding admissions beginning before 1 April at the start of the datayear. Please note that admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.
	3.Figures have not been adjusted for shortfalls in data (ie the data are ungrossed).
	Source:
	Hospital episode statistics, Department of Health.

Alzheimer's Disease

Patrick McLoughlin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which primary care trusts provide the drug Ebixa for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Rosie Winterton: Memantine hydrochloride (Ebixa) is licensed for treating moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. In 2003–04, memantine (Ebixa) was dispensed in the community in England in 265 primary care trusts. This treatment is usually provided under the supervision of hospital-based specialists, so community dispensing information does not give a complete picture of national health service use;

Ambulance Services

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many ambulance trusts are proposing to merge with another ambulance trust.

Rosie Winterton: We are aware that Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority (SHA) is considering options for the future provision of ambulance services in its area. We are not aware of any other SHAs and their constituent organisations formally considering this issue.

Antibiotics

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the consumption of antibiotics in England for medical purposes was in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: The number of antibiotic items dispensed by prescription in the 12 months to September 2004 was 37 million. Antibiotics are defined as all drugs contained in section 5.1 Antibacterial drugs" of the British National Formulary.

Average Heights

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average height of an adult (a) man and (b) woman in England was (i) in 1987, (ii) in 1992, (iii)in 1997 and (iv) on the most recent date for which figures are available.

Melanie Johnson: Figures for the average height for adults in England are shown in the following table. Figures are not available for 1992.
	
		Mean height by survey year and sex—aged 16 and over with a valid height measurement
		
			  1986–87 1993 1997 2003 unweighted 2003 weighted(86) 
		
		
			 Height in centimetres   
			 Men 174.5 174.4 174.5 174.7 175.0 
			 Women 161.7 161.1 160.9 161.2 161.4 
			 Bases  
			 Men 1160 7380 3744 6042 6605 
			 Women 1163 8428 4462 7449 6923 
		
	
	(86)Data for 2003 has been weighted to reduce bias resulting from non-response to the survey. Weighted data provide the best estimate for 2003. Unweighted data for 2003 is provided for consistency with previous years, which are also unweighted. Data for 1986–87 is for adults aged 16–64 in Great Britain.
	Source:
	1.The Dietary and Nutritional Survey of British Adults, 1986–87.
	2.Health Survey for England, 1993–2003.

Christmas Cards

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the cost of postage was for official departmental Christmas cards in (a) 2003 and (b) 2004;
	(2)  how many departmental staff have responsibility for preparing Christmas cards;
	(3)  how many hours of staff time were taken up in preparation of Christmas cards in 2004;
	(4)  how many official Christmas cards were sent out by his Department in (a) 2003 and (b) 2004;
	(5)  what the cost was of purchasing official departmental Christmas cards in (a) 2003 and (b) 2004;
	(6)  what percentage of official departmental Christmas cards included a contribution to charity in their cost; and which charities benefited from such a contribution.

Rosie Winterton: All expenditure incurred in the purchase and postage of official Christmas cards is made in accordance with the Department's guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on principles set out in Government Accounting". Recipient lists are co-ordinated to avoid duplication.
	Separate figures for postage costs are not available, as some cards will have been included with other correspondence. Those that were not so included were sent using second class post.
	Staff numbers and their time spent on separate tasks are not recorded, but the amount in each case would have been minimal.
	The available information is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of official cards purchased  Cost (£) 
		
		
			 2003 2,250 2,689 
			 2004 2,500 3,480 
		
	
	The cost of each card purchased in 2004, apart from200 obtained through a separate order, included a donation of 10 pence to the charities listed.
	2Care
	Action for Blind People
	Age Concern
	Alzheimer's Society
	Amnesty International
	Anthony Nolan Trust
	ARC—Arthritis Research Campaign
	Asthma UK
	Barnardo's
	Blue Cross
	Bodleian Library
	Bone Marrow Research
	Breakthrough Breast Cancer
	British and International Sailors' Society
	British Eye Research Foundation
	British Lung Foundation
	Campaign to Protect Rural England
	Cancer Research UK
	Carers UK
	Centrepoint
	ChildLine
	Combat Stress
	Crossroads Association
	Cruse Bereavement Care
	Cystic Fibrosis Trust
	Epilepsy Action EveryChild
	Help the Aged
	Iris Fund for Prevention of Blindness
	KIDS
	Leonard Cheshire
	Leukaemia Research Fund
	Macmillan Cancer Relief
	Marine Conservation Society
	Meningitis Trust
	Mildmay Mission Hospital
	Mind
	Motabity
	Motor Neurone Disease Association
	Multiple Sclerosis Trust
	Muscular Dystrophy Campaign
	National Autistic Society
	National Children's Bureau
	National Eczema Society
	NCH Action for Children
	NSPCC
	Oxfam
	Plan International UK
	Princess Royal Trust for Carers
	Queen Elizabeth's Foundation
	RNIB
	RNID
	RNLI
	Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
	Royal Mencap Society
	Royal Society of Arts
	Royal Star and Garter Home
	RSPCA
	Scope
	St. John Ambulance
	Talking Newspaper Association
	The Children's Trust
	The Salvation Army
	Tommy's
	Tuberous Sclerosis Association
	UNICEF
	United Response
	WaterAid
	Winged Fellowship Trust

Clinical Trials

Richard Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support the Government provides to small independent drug and vaccine research companies in the preparation of cases for the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency for the registration of clinical trials.

Rosie Winterton: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the Department's agency responsible for the evaluation of proposals for medicines clinical trials under the legislation introduced in May 2004. It has introduced a number of services to assist companies in the preparation of their case applications. These include:
	Inquiry help lines by phone and e-mail so that prospective applicants could discuss with assessment staff what was needed in their application and how to fill out the forms.
	Detailed information published on the MHRA's website including Frequently Asked Questions and Answers and How to Submit a Clinical Trial Authorisation".
	Specimen 'mock' applications for chemical and biotechnology product trial applications.
	All of this support is provided promptly and freely for large and small companies alike.
	In addition a number of workshops and symposia were organised during the period prior to introduction of new legislation, so that companies could prepare themselves for the changes.
	Where more detailed advice and support is needed on scientific or regulatory matters concerning particular clinical trial applications, the MHRA offers face-to-face meetings with its professional assessment staff, followed by written advice. A fee is charged for the scientific advice service.

Counselling

Clive Soley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been carried out by his Department on the relative merits of (a) cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT) and (b) counselling in general practitioners' practices; what advice he offers on the provision of (i) counselling and (ii) CBT by primary care trusts; and if he will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The Department has not undertaken specific research on the relative merits of different psychological therapies in primary care. However, our publication, Treatment choice in psychological therapies and counselling" (2001), which includes a booklet for general practitioners, sets out the evidence base for a number of psychological therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling.
	In addition, Organising and delivering psychological therapies" (2004) contains information to support commissioners, providers, service users and researchers wanting to improve the quality and organisation of psychological services including services in primary care.
	The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has issued guidance to the national health service in England and Wales on the use of computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression in 2002 and further review of this appraisal is currently being undertaken.

Departmental Staff

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of his Department's staff is based in London.

Rosie Winterton: About 60 per cent. of the Department's staff are based in London.

Depression

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of people suffering from depression who are not receiving treatment.

Rosie Winterton: The Department does not collect routine information about people with depression receiving support from family or friends or services in the non-statutory sector. However, the Office for National Statistics' survey, Psychiatric morbidity among adults living in private households, 2000", shows that 44 per cent. of those assessed as having a depressive episode were receiving treatment under the national health service for mental or emotional problems at the time of interview.

Diabetes Treatment

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prescriptions of analogue drugs for diabetes treatment were made in the last year.

Rosie Winterton: In 2003–04, 1.4 million prescription items of analogue drugs used in the treatment of diabetes were dispensed in the community in England.

Doncaster Foundation Hospital

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on the basis of what percentage of Doncaster patients treated Doncaster Foundation Hospital's financial plan was based; and on the basis of what percentage of patients presented to Doncaster Foundation Hospital for hospital treatment the primary care trust is funded.

John Hutton: This is a matter for the Chair of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Margaret Cox, Chair, informing her of my hon. Friend's enquiry.
	NHS foundation trusts (NHSFTs) are independent from the Department and are directly accountable to their local population and to Parliament. As a result of this independent status and NHSFTs' separate and local route of accountability, under the memorandum of understanding on handling parliamentary business relating to NHSFTs, the Department is no longer in a position to comment on, or provide information about the details of operational management within NHSFTs to Parliament.

East Sussex Hospitals Trust

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the financial deficits in the East Sussex health economy.

Rosie Winterton: East Sussex health community faces financial challenges, which it has made significant efforts to resolve.
	The Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority continues to work with the East Sussex health community to address these challenges, while ensuring that adequate and safe services are delivered to local people.
	The health service in East Sussex has benefited from significant additional resources to the national health service. Between 2003–04 and 2005–06, the four primary care trusts in East Sussex will receive an increase of £130 million for health care services.

Evesham Community Hospital

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library a copy of the detailed patient environment action teams' results for Evesham Community Hospital for (a) 2004 and (b) 2003.

John Hutton: holding answer 13 December 2004
	The reports requested have been placed in the Library. The change in format of the reports between 2003 and 2004 reflects the move to an internet-based reporting system as well as the change in assessment which increased from 18 'areas' to a maximum of 130.

Generic Prescribing

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 16 December 2004, Official Report, column 1319W, if he will estimate what savings have been made by (a) increasing the generic prescribing rate for all practices in England and (b) moving at least half of those practices with a generic prescribing rate below 40 per cent. to above that level.

Rosie Winterton: Specific generic targets were set to maintain the momentum to increase rational and cost-effective prescribing and were achieved in 2002, when the generic prescribing rate across all practices in England reached an average of 72 per cent.
	We do not estimate potential savings that might accrue from incremental changes to overall generic prescribing rates or components within the overall rate. However, we estimate that current levels of generic prescribing and dispensing mean that the national health service spends around £750 million a year less than if only branded medicines were prescribed.

GP Development Schemes

Andrew Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what funds his Department has made available for GP development schemes in each year since 1997–98;
	(2)  what funds his Department proposes to make available for GP development schemes in (a) 2004–05, (b) 2005–06 and (c) 2006–07.

John Hutton: The information requested on general practitioner premises developments is shown in the tables.
	Table 1 shows spend from primary care trusts audited accounts for the period 1997–98 to 2003–04, the last year for which this information is available.
	Table 2 shows the premises element of the primary medical services allocations in 2004–05 and 2005–06, allocations for 2006–07 have yet to be confirmed.
	Table 3 shows enabling (start-up) funds allocated for the local improvement finance trust (LIFT) initiatives.
	
		Table 1: General medical service (QMS) premises expenditure (1997–98 to 2003–04)—discretionary and non-discretionary reported spend though statement of fees and allowances reported expenditure (old contract QMS only) -- £ million
		
			 Spend on QMS premises (England) 1996–97 to 2002–03 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 
		
		
			 Non discretionary (non cash-limited) 
			 Notional rents 68.2 75.9 85.6 93.6 87.4 87.7 85.6 
			 Actual rent 18.2 24.7 28.2 18.6 17.3 21 23.5 
			 Actual rent—*health centres (including lease and licence payments only) 18.1 20.7 19.8 37.5 36.1 34.3 38.3 
			 Rates/water/sewage 56.9 63.6 68.1 71.8 72.5 59.3 50 
			 *Health centre rates/water/sewage 7.1 8.1 7.1 5.7 6.3 4.3 5.4 
			 On-going rental on vacated premises, SFA para55 — 0.1 4.0 0.0 0 0.7 0.1 
			 Non discretionary premises total 168.5 193.1 212.8 227.2 219.6 207.3 202.9 
			 Discretionary (cash-limited) 
			 Cost—rents and local authority economic rents 96.3 98.2 88.9 85.6 65.1 56.1 43.2 
			 Improvement grants 20.3 22.2 16.9 16,9 14.2 13.5 17.5 
			 Improvement grants *(for health centres) 7.1 5.6 2.9 4.5 3.6 5.1 7.9 
			 Grants to surrender leases on poor premises under SFA para 55 — 0.2 0.0 0.0 0 0.3 0.3 
			 Discretionary premises total 123.7 126.2 108.7 107.0 82.9 75.0 68.9 
		
	
	Notes:
	(i) Non discretionary: -non cash-limited. Please note that from 1997–98, actual rents were split to additionally show introduction of health centre rents incurred. Health centre rates were created in 1997–98 to identify costs incurred.
	(ii) Discretionary -cash limited. Again with the introduction of monitoring health centre spend from 1997–98—Improvement grants have been split to separately identify health centre spend.
	(iii) Please note that 2002–03 and 2003–04 information is based on final HFR/PFR discretionary and non-discretionary summarised accounts outturn.
	(iv) Data from 1996 onwards is based on health authority (HA) returns. For 2002–03, data is split between 28 strategic health authority (SHA) quarter 1–2 reporting and 303 primary care trust (PCT) quarter 3 and 4 combined returns, owing to PCTs not having non-discretionary banking rights up until September 2003.
	(v) Data on personal medical service (PMS) premises spend is not collected centrally.
	(vi) Decreases in all premises spend in 2002–03 and fluctuations in 2003–04 are due to the impact on GP transfers from QMS to PMS and increased waves 1–4b PMS pilots going live.
	(vi) Decreases in all premises spend in 2002–03 and fluctuations in 2003–04 are due to the impact on GP transfers from QMS to PMS and increased waves 1–4b PMS pilots going live.
	(vii) Please note that all figures up to 2001–01 are cash based. Due to changes in Government accounting regulations, figures for 2002–03 onwards are now be resource based.
	(viii) Data on premises spend under new QMS contract arrangements is not currently available.
	
		Table 2: Premises allocations under the new primary care contracting arrangements -- £ million
		
			  Premises element of primary medical services allocations to PCTs Growth funding allocated to a lead PCT in each SHA area Additional investment 
		
		
			 2004–05 329.399 15 42 
			 2005–06 368.613 83 66 
			 2006–07 To be confirmed To be confirmed Not applicable 
		
	
	
		Table 3: Allocated enabling funds for LIFT initiatives
		
			  Funding (£ million) 
		
		
			 1997–98 0 
			 1998–99 0 
			 1999–2000 0 
			 2000–01 1.460 
			 2001–02 0.350 
			 2002–03 27.737 
			 2003–04 105.313 
			 2004–05 43.001 
			 2005–06 Not yet decided 
			 2006–07 Not yet decided

Healthy Eating in Schools

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's policy is on healthy eating in schools.

Melanie Johnson: Nutrition is a key component of a healthy start in life and schools, alongside parents and carers, have a role in shaping the habits and eating behaviours of children. As set out in the Government White Paper, Choosing Health: Making healthier choices easier", we want to see all schools deliver clear and consistent messages about nutrition and healthy eating, provide opportunities to learn about diet, nutrition, food safety and hygiene, good preparation and cooking as well as where food comes from and actively promote healthy food as part of an enjoyable balanced diet. This message is supported by a number of activities and White Paper commitments regarding nutrition in schools, including:
	Funding of £77 million is being provided over 2004–06 to enable over two million children (all four to six-year-old children in local education authority- maintained infant, primary and special schools throughout England) to receive a free piece of fruit or vegetable every school day.
	The Government aim is that half of all schools will be part of the healthy schools programme by 2006, with the rest working towards healthy school status by 2009. From April 2005, a healthy school will provide a supportive environment, including policies on healthy and nutritious food.
	Revising both primary and secondary school meal standards to reduce consumption of fat, salt and sugar and increase consumption of fruit and vegetables. We will strongly consider introducing nutrient based standards.
	Subject to legislation, extending the new standards to cover food across the school day, including vending machines and tuck shops.
	Supporting schools to provide the best meal service possible—through guidance on food procurement for heads and governors and improving training for school meal providers.
	Ofsted inspectors will be looking at healthy eating in schools and will take into account any school meals provided in doing so.
	A comprehensive Food in Schools" package to provide guidance and resources for implementing the whole school approach to healthy eating and drinking.

Identity Cards

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has conducted a study into the impact of the introduction of identity cards on his Department's business.

John Hutton: As with other Government Departments, this Department has been working closely with the Home Office to identify where the identity cards scheme will provide benefits to its business areas. This work is continuing.

Imported Foodstuffs

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what policies his Department has to ensure the safety of imported foodstuffs; and what guidance his Department has given to (a) other Government Departments and (b) associated public bodies on dealing with these matters.

Melanie Johnson: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency, which has responsibility for food safety matters, that the regulatory controls in respect of imports from non-European Union countries are comprehensive, and for the most part are EU based and operate EU wide. Controls for the import of products not of animal origin will be EU harmonised from January 2006.
	Imported food from non-EU countries is subject to checks at ports of entry by local authorities under imported food legislation. Also, food products, whether from outside or within the EU, are subject to the same checks by local authorities as United Kingdom produced food.
	The Agency works closely with a number of other Government departments on imported food enforcement matters. Statutory guidance on imported food was issued by the Agency to local authorities in June 2004. A copy of the guidance Guidance for local authorities in Great Britain on imported food and feed" controls has been placed in the Library.

Infection Control

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what training on infection control is available for NHS staff working in (a) community and (b) primary care settings.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 10 January 2005
	Specific training programmes will be determined and implemented locally according to the requirements of the staff and the local area. This information is not collected centrally but recommendations on training are included in the guidelines on Prevention of healthcare—associated infections in primary and community care produced by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.
	In addition, all staff covered by Agenda for Change will receive infection control training. This will cover over one million staff and incorporate nurses, porters, cleaners and healthcare assistants working in all healthcare settings, including primary and community care.

Medical Students

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps he is taking to encourage undergraduate medical students to choose placements in rural areas;
	(2)  what plans he has to commission research into the merits of placements in rural areas for undergraduate medical students;
	(3)  what proportion of undergraduate medical students chose placements in (a) urban and (b) rural areas, for the most recent period for which figures are available.

John Hutton: The Department does not provide direction on the content of undergraduate medical courses, as higher education institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies. Individual medical schools determine their own curriculum in the light of recommendations from the General Medical Council's (GMC's) education committee.
	Medical schools organise practice placements for medical students through strategic health authority workforce directorates in a variety of hospital, community and primary care settings.
	We do not hold data on practice placements and have no plans to commission specific research. However, we do share a commitment with the GMC, the Council of Heads of Medical Schools and other relevant bodies that all health professionals are trained so that they have the skills and knowledge to deliver a high quality health service to all groups of the population with whom they deal. I am aware of the British Medical Association's recent publication, Healthcare in a rural setting", which recommends a greater accent on placements in such settings. I will draw this report to the attention of the relevant bodies.

Multiple Sclerosis

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1) for what percentage of people with multiple sclerosis the timeframe laid down in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) of 12 weeks between general practitioner referral and completion of investigations was met in the last period for which figures are available;
	(2)  what the average waiting time for an NHS patient suspected of having multiple sclerosis from referral by their general practitioner to completion of tests was in the last period for which figures are available;
	(3)  how many people were investigated for a possible diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in each of the last five years;
	(4)  how many people were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in each of the last five years.

Stephen Ladyman: Although the Department does not routinely collect information on the number of people diagnosed with a specific condition, the MS Society estimates that there are approximately 85,000 people in the United Kingdom with multiple sclerosis.
	Data on the number of people investigated for a possible diagnosis of multiple sclerosis are not available. However, figures are available on the number of finished consultant episodes with a primary diagnosis of multiple sclerosis for the years 1999–2000 to 2002–03 and are shown in the table. A finished consultant episode relates to in-patients who have completed their period of care and have been discharged, transferred to another hospital or consultant specialist or died. A patient can therefore have more than one finished consultant episode.
	
		Counts of finished in-year admission episodes for primary diagnosis multiple sclerosis (ICD10G35)
		
			  Finished in-year admissions 
		
		
			 1999–2000 14,853 
			 2000–01 14,772 
			 2001–02 14,363 
			 2002–03 14,384 
			 2003–04 15,098 
		
	
	Source:
	Hospital episode statistics.
	Information on waiting times for in-patient and out-patient treatment in England is collected by consultant speciality rather than for specific conditions. Specialty level data for neurology would include various conditions, as well as multiple sclerosis, therefore it is not possible to determine the waiting times for multiple sclerosis.

NHS Cleaning Services

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 20 December 2004, Official Report, column 1481W, on NHS cleaning services, which organisations are responsible for cleaning hospitals where that service has been outsourced.

John Hutton: holding answer 26 January 2005
	: The following is a list of companies providing cleaning services to national health service hospitals. This list is based on patient environment action team reports for the period ending May 2004 and may therefore have changed. The list excludes NHS trusts that provide cleaning services to other trusts.
	Calber
	Carillion
	Catch 22
	Durham County Council
	Ecovert FM
	Edward Clarke
	Europa
	Executive Hospital Services
	Grosvenor Facilities Management
	Grosvenor House Group Rotheram Ltd
	GSL
	Haden Building Management Ltd
	Initial Hospital Services
	Interserve
	ISS Mediclean
	Maclellan International
	Medirest
	Minster Cleaning Services
	Mitie Cleaning Services
	Norfolk County Services
	OCS
	Robertsons
	Ryhurst
	Serco Services
	Sodexho
	Sovereign Health
	Support Services Partnership
	Target

NHS Pension Scheme

John Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in changing the pension arrangements for NHS consultants.

John Hutton: The National Health Service Pensions Agency for England and Wales wrote to NHS employers on 23 April 2004 to clarify administrative arrangements for the new contract for consultants. The arrangements will ensure pension benefits are protected for all consultants who move to the new contract.

NHS Pension Scheme

John Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made with the proposal to change the NHS pension scheme from a final salary scheme to an average pay scheme.

John Hutton: The Government have made no proposals to change the existing pension assessment arrangements for scheme members whose pensions are currently assessed on a final salary basis. The NHS Confederation consultation document on the review of the national health service pensions scheme, produced jointly with the NHS staff side, seeks views on the merits of final salary and career average assessment but makes no recommendation. The Government will consider the responses to the consultation when complete.

NHS Pension Scheme

John Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS staff are members of the NHS pension scheme.

John Hutton: At 5 January 2005, some 1,254,038 people were contributing to the national health service pension scheme in England and Wales.

NHS Pension Scheme

John Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Healthwhat the current value of the NHS staff pension fund is.

John Hutton: The national health service pension scheme is an unfunded scheme and there is no fund value.

NHS University

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost has been of the National Health Service University since its inception.

John Hutton: We established the NHSU special health authority on 1 December 2003. Its audited accounts for the period 1 December 2003 to 31 March 2004 show expenditure of £13.3 million. The budget for the full financial year 2004–05 is £44.6 million. Actual expenditure in 2004–05 will only be determined once the financial year has been completed.

Obesity

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department has taken to raise awareness of issues relating to obesity.

Melanie Johnson: The Government are committed to halting the rise in childhood obesity and have outlined their strategy for doing so in Choosing Health: making healthy choices easier". This includes a new cross-Government campaign to raise awareness of the health risks of obesity and the steps people can take through diet and physical activity to prevent obesity. We have already taken a number of steps to increase awareness of issues relating to obesity during the Choosing Health" consultation last year, including staging a conference on obesity and publishing separate consultation papers, Choosing a Better Diet" and Choosing Activity". Ministers and senior officials have presented at a wide range of conferences and seminars on obesity throughout the year and continue to do so.
	This builds on the five-a-day programme, which includes a number of initiatives to inform consumers of the benefits of eating a variety of at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day as part of a healthy balanced diet, which can help to maintain a healthy weight. Last summer, Sport England also piloted a social marketing campaign to increase exercise in the north east of England. The Everyday Sport" campaign focused on opportunities for people to include more physical activity in their daily routine and will contribute to the evidence base for an obesity awareness campaign. The Department also funds a range of non-governmental organisations to increase awareness of the benefits of healthy diet and active lifestyles.

Obesity

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the levels of obesity were in (a) Romford, (b) the London borough of Havering, (c) Greater London, (d) Essex and (e) England at the most recent date for which figures are available.

Melanie Johnson: The available information is shown in the table. The figures are taken from the Health Survey for England for 2003, the latest year for which figures are available. No figures are available for Romford, the London borough of Havering or Essex.
	
		Percentage of adult population who are obese(body mass index over 30)Age 16 and over with a valid BMI (kg/m(87)) measurement
		
			  Men Women 
		
		
			 London(88) 17.6 20.1 
			 England 22.2 23.0 
			
			 Bases  
			 London 930 876 
			 England 6,519 6,570 
		
	
	(87)Figures weighted to reduce bias from non-response to the survey.
	(88)Figures are for the Government office region for London.
	Source:
	Health Survey for England 2003

Orthodontists (North-east)

John Cummings: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many consultant orthodontists are employed in (a) Sunderland Royal Hospital, (b) Durham University Hospital and (c) Hartlepool University Hospital.

John Hutton: The enquiry relating to Sunderland Royal Hospital is a matter for the Chair of City Hospitals Sunderland National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Mr. David Graham, chair, informing him of my hon. Friend's inquiry.
	Information requested on Durham University Hospital and Hartlepool University Hospital is shown in the table.
	
		Hospital, public health medicine and community health services dental staff with a specialty in orthodontics by specified trust  -- Numbers (headcount)
		
			  County Durham and Darlington Acute RXP Hospitals HNS Trust  North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust RVW 
		
		
			 September 2003   
			 All staff 1 2 
			 of which:  0 
			 consultant 0 0 
			 June 2004   
			 All staff n/a 0 
			 Of which:   
			 Consultant n/a 0 
		
	
	Note:
	N/a = not available. This is due to data for June 2004, being taken from the mini census, which collected consultants only.
	Source:
	Department of Health medical and dental workforce census.

Paddington Health Campus

John Wilkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) cost and (b) terms of the leasehold acquisition of land by his Department from the Paddington Development Corporation Ltd. for the Paddington Health Campus are.

John Hutton: Ahead of formal signature, the costs and terms of the proposed leasehold acquisition of land owned by Paddington Development Corporation Limited for the Paddington Health Campus are commercially sensitive. Details are in the outline business case, which is awaiting approval. Once approved, that information not subject to confidentiality restrictions will be publicly available within one month of that date.

Patient and Public Involvement Forums

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to abolish Patient and Public Involvement Forums of primary care trusts.

Rosie Winterton: The Department has no plans to abolish the patients' forums of primary care trusts.

Primary Care Trusts

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding has been made available to each primary care trust in each year since 2000; and what the average level of funding was in each year.

John Hutton: Revenue allocations to 304 primary care trusts (PCTs) for 2003–04 to 2005–06 were announced on 11 December 2002. This was the first time revenue allocations were made directly from the Department to PCTs. Prior to this, allocations were made to health authorities and health authorities allocated funding to local PCTs.
	Information on revenue allocations to each PCT for 2003–04 to 2005–06 has been placed in the Library.

Prime Service Providers

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prime service providers are employed by the NHS.

John Hutton: There are 155 prime service providers involved with Departmental programmes and the National Health Service Purchasing and Supply Agency national framework agreements. These national framework agreements are not mandatory; therefore, some NHS trusts buy services and equipment from other sources.

Private Sector NHS Operations

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of NHS surgery he expects to be carried out by the private sector by 2007–08; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: The NHS Improvement Plan set the aim that independent sector providers will increase their contribution to the care of national health service patients. The plan said:
	We anticipate that, by 2008, the independent sector will carry out up to 15 per cent. of procedures per annum for NHS patients, paid for by the NHS."

Private Sector Treatment Units

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the new private sector treatment units are paid for (a) the number of operations contracted for and (b) the number of operations carried out; and what the costs of the same operations in foundation hospitals is.

John Hutton: Wave 1 independent sector treatment centres (ISTCs) are paid according to the contracted payment mechanism based on a price per procedure. The National Health Service is obliged to ensure they make the number of contracted referrals and providers are paid on a per completed procedure basis. Payment mechanisms for future waves of ISTCs are yet to be determined.
	In 2003–04, it is estimated that procedures purchased under the IS-TC programme cost 9 per cent. more than the NHS equivalent cost, using NHS tariff as the base. However, this analysis makes no reference to the commercial terms achieved and additional costs faced by independent sector providers such as the costs of complying with the additionality policy, requiring them to recruit staff in addition to existing NHS staff.
	Under payment by results, foundation trusts will receive the national tariff price based on average cost of a healthcare resource group. In addition, they will receive an allocation in respect of market forces factors.

Psychiatric Hostels (Killings)

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Healthhow many members of staff have been killed by patients in psychiatric hostels in each of the last three years.

Rosie Winterton: The Health and Safety Executive collects information on work-related deaths and injuries under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1995. In the past three years, there has been one death of a national health service member of staff at a psychiatric hospital.
	The NHS Security Management Service, a special health authority with a remit including tackling violence against NHS staff and professionals, has introduced a range of measures to deal with violence, including a national reporting system for physical assaults against NHS staff and professionals. From summer 2005, information on physical assaults and deaths of NHS staff will therefore be collected within the NHS.

Saneline

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's funding for Saneline has been in each year since its inception.

Ms Winterton: The Department has provided £3,629,050 in funding to Saneline and its projects since it began in 1991. The funding to Saneline, broken down by years, is:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 Paid over 1991–92 to 1993–94 150,000 
			 Paid in 1993–94 75,000 
			 Paid over 1994–95 to 1998–99 575,000 
			 Paid over 1998–99 to 2000–01 88,050 
			 Paid over 1999–2000 to 2001–02 120,000 
			 Paid in 1999–2000 300,000 
			 Paid in 2001–02 250,000 
			 Paid over 2001–02 to 2002–03 71,000 
			 Paid in 2003–04 1,000,000 
			 Paid in 2004–05 250,000 
			 Currently being processed in 2004–05 750,000

Small/Medium-sized Enterprises

Anne Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many contracts were awarded by (a) the Department and (b) agencies for which the Department is responsible to small and medium-sized enterprises in each year since 2001–02; and what the total value of those contracts was in each year.

John Hutton: The Department does not hold centrally a record of individual contracts, nor does it have similar details for its agencies. Such details could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
	The National Health Service Purchasing and Supply Agency, (NHS PASA), an executive agency of the Department, carries out national contracts on behalf of the NHS in England. The number and value of the contracts awarded to small and medium enterprises since 2001–02 are shown in the following table. These contracts are not mandatory and some NHS trusts buy from other sources not included in these figures.
	
		
			  Number of contracts Total value (£) 
		
		
			 2001–02 559 254,824,767 
			 2002–03 413 156,961,430 
			 2003–04 1,365 4,143,741,018

Trans Fats

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will (a) ban the use of partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) in foodstuffs and (b) seek to legislate to ensure that all food products containing trans fats are clearly labelled with the content.

Melanie Johnson: Consumption of trans-unsaturated fatty acids (TFAs) has declined in the United Kingdom and is now below levels that have been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease.
	Nevertheless, the Government will identify opportunities to further reduce TFAs levels as part of the commitment made in the White Paper, Choosing Health", to work with industry to reduce fat levels in food.
	The Government are pressing for the labelling of TFAs in foods at European Union level.

Vacancy Statistics

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department spent on advertising staff vacancies in (a) 2002 and (b) 2003.

Rosie Winterton: The Department spent £345,229 in 2002–03 and an estimated £146,331 in 2003–04 on advertising vacant posts.
	These figures do not include the Department's agencies.

Whittington Hospital

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the latest information is that he has concerning the completion of the Jarvis private finance initiative contract at the Whittington hospital; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: Under the principles of the private finance initiative, there are strong incentives for the private sector to complete the project. The Department is aware that discussions are ongoing between the trust and the private sector consortium about bringing the project to completion.